Develop collaborative approaches to promote long-term food security
We recognize that food insecurity is rooted in systemic inequities.
We work with organizations to reimagine the role of food banks and pantries to create long-term solutions to food insecurity in strategic and collaborative ways. We help create community food hub models that engage with multiple community partners to address root causes of food insecurity using an upstream approach.
Cambridge, MA is thinking big to solve food insecurity, and a cross-sector collaboration funded by Cambridge Community Foundation is taking it on.
In January 2024, the Cambridge Community Foundation, in partnership with Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) and More Than Food Consulting kicked off a three-year project to develop large-scale, coordinated solutions that create a food pantry system that not only provides food, but increases food security and economic stability through wraparound supports and systemic change.
Upstream approaches
We believe hunger is a preventable problem, and that it takes more than food to end hunger. It takes:
Policies to reduce poverty
Involving people with lived experience to develop long-term solutions
Support from the food industry to increase access to healthy, nutritious food
Public / private partnerships to engage corporate responsibility
A strong federal social safety net
Empathy rather than charity
Resources
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upLIFT Coaching Program
In partnership with More Than Food Consulting, Lebanon County Christian Ministries started a coaching program in 2023 and has seen transformational changes among participants. Check out this 9 month report with impressive findings.
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Gather Feedback from those with Lived Experience
If we want to make sure that food pantries are accessible and acceptable to people in the community, it is important to engage with neighbors and ask for their feedback. Asking those with food insecurity for their opinions can improve the neighbor experience and encourage neighbors to become advocates.