Overlooked Opportunities for Ending Hunger

There is incredible energy in the anti-hunger movement right now.

New programs and models have blossomed and thrived over the last two years of the pandemic, developing new strategies for helping our neighbors be a little more food secure. Data continues to confirm that policy and systemic change are the most effective strategies for lifting communities out of food insecurity. However, sometimes these big picture visions and idealistic strategies neglect the just-as-essential work that is being done to support individuals.

Food pantries do not often have a positive reputation- they may be degrading to clients, they don’t meet individual needs, or they have such limited capacity that their impact feels negligible. Because of this, the “big picture thinkers” like food banks and policy makers tend to focus their solutions beyond the scope of neighborhood food pantries.

I believe that it is possible to build a food pantry that can be part of the big picture.

As an experienced anti-hunger advocate, I’ve run multiple food pantries, worked with several food banks, and have extensive experience addressing the root causes of hunger. I believe that it’s possible to create a new kind of experience for people facing food insecurity. I have many strategies, techniques and experiences that demonstrate how visiting a food pantry can become a positive experience, where cultural identities are respected, and where individuals can develop a sense of stability. This blog intends to showcase how much potential food pantries have to fight food insecurity and to play a part in the bigger picture of ending hunger.

The opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.