Evaluating and conveying the impacts of farm-to-hunger relief programs is important not just for reporting requirements but garnering support to further build the program’s impact.
A major economic advantage for a farm to enter into a purchasing contract with a hunger relief organization (HRO)–food bank or meals program–is that a HRO provides a more flexible market than traditional wholesalers (e.g. hospitals, schools, grocers).
After beginning a relationship with a small local farm, it is recommended that a hunger relief organization (HRO) spend some time to develop messaging and outreach materials to thank the partner farm for their hard work and contributions to the HRO and local food access.
Working with Interpreters The different programs at the IRC all work with interpreters to varying degrees. There are certain guidelines to keep in mind when working with interpreters to ensure that the conversation between staff and clients goes as smoothly as possible and not too…
Coordinating Weekly Deliveries of Fresh Produce for Seniors in Need The global pandemic of COVID-19 disproportionately affected marginalized populations such as the elderly and refugees. In collaboration with Food Innovation Network (FIN), the IRC Year 2 VISTA coordinated the delivery of 50 bags of fresh…
Organizing an Aggregate Table During a Global Pandemic During its second year of existence, the Tukwila Village Farmers Market expanded to include the New Roots Aggregate Farm Stand. New Roots helps run the farmers market with the Food Innovation Network (FIN) beginning in the Spring…
Recipes, Nutrition, and Food Culture Do you ever think about how to build a healthy food culture with your food bank customers? One way for customers to share and create culture is through exchanging recipes with each other that utilize ingredients sourced from the food…
When purchasing produce from farmers, a food bank acts like one large CSA customer or wholesale CSA customer. Securing grant funding is essential to support a farm to food bank purchasing system, and local food system programming is essential in the development of a secure food system in a community.
Boston Area Gleaners relies on marketing and communications not only for garnering support but also for advocacy, community-building, and solidifying a local organizational identity.
• Extending gratitude for the farm’s commitment to reducing food waste and increasing food access
• Citing the total amount donated by partners, in pounds & servings, and telling a story of where the produce went—with testimonials from partner agencies
• A rundown of the donation totals for the particular farmer. This is an official tax document and must include key language and data. Annual copies of this documentation are saved in the shared “Operations” folder on the BAG server.