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Post-pandemic inflation leading to increased food prices, reductions in federal food assistance benefits, and demographic shifts, including the influx of migrants -- all of these factors collectively contribute to the unprecedented demand faced by essential organizations such as food pantries across Chicago. It is also important to recognize the human impact behind these numbers -- the emotional toll of having to choose between basic necessities (like housing and food) underscores the critical role food pantries play in providing support during difficult times. To grasp the importance of tackling food insecurity in our communities, we must first seek out and listen to these personal experiences. That’s what we do! Whether through corporate partnerships, volunteering efforts, or advocating for policy changes, there exist various avenues for meaningful engagement. For example, Good Hope Foundation, Inc. (goodhopefnd.com) and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Gamma Gamma chapter) partner monthly with a local food pantry. Doing so helps raise awarenesssnd helps fill the void in regards to these key issues and support those most vulnerable in our underserved communities. #FoodPantries #CommunityEngagement #FoodInsecurity #ChicagoCommunity

🌟 DICP Food Pantry: A Year of Impact in 2024! This year, the DICP Food Pantry continued to provide vital support to Denver’s communities, addressing food insecurity and helping families thrive. Through over 200 pantry days, we distributed an incredible 207,062 pounds of food, serving 15,290+ individuals across the city. Operating with a client-choice model, we prioritize fresh, nutritious options like fruits and vegetables to empower families to make choices that fit their needs. Thanks to partnerships with organizations like Food Bank of the Rockies and Parker Task Force, we’ve ensured that healthy food is accessible to those who need it most. 🎥 Watch the full impact in our Annual Report video: https://buff.ly/3zBBEHC 💛 Together, we’ve made a difference—one meal, one family, one community at a time. Here’s to continuing this critical work in 2025! #DICP #FoodPantryImpact #CommunitySupport #FightingHunger #DenverStrong Add tags

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐁𝐢-𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 2025 Connecticut Foodshare's Mobile Pantry will extend its partnership with Bridgeport Hospital into 2025, offering nutritious food to families in need every other Wednesday. The program, which has supported over 16,000 community members, will resume January 8 and run through December 10. Full story: https://lnkd.in/dRUjKGJn #FoodSecurity #CommunitySupport #ConnecticutNews #BridgeportHospital #CTHealthNews #FoodShare #HealthyLiving #NutritionMatters

Media Contact: Lisa Casavant MISSION: AGAPE 724-244-2624 Lisa@Mission-Agape.org www.Mission-Agape.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MISSION: AGAPE Launches with Proven Board of Directors to Combat Food Insecurity in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA – October 23, 2024 – MISSION: AGAPE, a nonprofit focused on serving families in food desert communities throughout Pittsburgh's Mon Valley region, has officially launched. Led by the founders of RQM+ and a dynamic board of successful local business leaders, MISSION: AGAPE is set to make a significant impact in addressing food insecurity. Founded by Kelly and Mike Doyle, MISSION: AGAPE evolved from the McKeesport Agape Center (MAC), created in 2020 to address the food insecurity crisis in McKeesport, a Pittsburgh suburb where the food insecurity rate is 31%, far above the state and national averages. Originally operating out of the Doyle family’s garage, MAC grew rapidly, serving families without access to transportation to reach regional food pantries. By 2022, the program had expanded, leading to the purchase and renovation of a 13,000-square-foot church that became the Agape Center. Today, MISSION: AGAPE’s 40+ volunteers serve over 5,000 people monthly, distributing healthy food, toiletries, and pet food. However, with 110,000 people in the Mon Valley still facing food insecurity, the need remains urgent. Recognizing the growing demand, the Doyles partnered with RQM+ founders Maria Fagan and Lisa Casavant, whose leadership transformed MAC into MISSION: AGAPE with a broader vision. Fagan and Casavant bring their business acumen from RQM+, a global medical device consulting firm, to the organization’s leadership, ensuring a sustainable, scalable approach to addressing food insecurity. “When I first volunteered, I was shocked by the level of need so close to home,” said Casavant, Board VP. “Feeding these families is more than a calling—it’s an urgent necessity.” Board President Fagan added, “We grew RQM+ to be the industry leader in quality, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction, and we are applying the same principles here. MISSION: AGAPE is an opportunity to make a transformative impact in people’s lives.” MISSION: AGAPE is currently seeking $200,000 in emergency donations to fund infrastructure improvements, including a walk-in refrigerator, freezer room, box truck, and the OrderAhead system, allowing families to order customized food boxes for delivery. The organization also provides holiday support, offering Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas gifts to those in need. Donate today to ensure no family goes without and be a part of this transformative mission! Together, we can make a lasting impact on those who need it most. To donate or learn more, visit www.mission-agape.org

September is Hunger Action Month. One in four adults in the US experienced food insecurity in 2023, and that number has been going up over the past few years. But did you know that food security is more than just handing out meals? It’s actually eight different outcomes, ranging from a meal, to eating more healthfully, to improving the food distribution network. It’s critical that we get specific about which of those we’re solving for, so we can be realistic about what it takes and how much it costs. Learn how to get precise with your food security outcomes in our new white paper. Impact Genome #HungerActionMonth #philanthropy #socialimpact #foodsecurity #outcomes #hungerrelief

Last week Community Works Works held our Winter Food Network Meeting (with reps from foodbanks across Adur/Worthing). This session was hosted by at one of our member’s premises. The Gateway Hub in Fishersgate Southwick 🥰 Another eventful in-person networking opportunity for members to come together to share experiences and discuss the pressing challenges and indeed opportunities foodbanks are coming across in an environment where cost of living is rising. How do we balance stringent food standards with the urgent need to reduce food waste and support foodbanks meeting rising demand. And how can we empower Foodbanks by creating clearer guidelines for the donation of surplus food and improving logistics to bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity. We had the opportunity to tour their incredible facility including their cafe area. food pantry and storage and their shop ❤️. Of course, it won’t be a food network meeting without food and Jill and team at Gateway Hub delivered exceptionally with a festive spread of yummy nibbles.🥘🍛🥗🍝🧇 A huge thank you to all attending members for their insights and commitment to creating a sustainable food system. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💡 Looking forward to working with these incredible movers and shakers working to support vulnerable families and individuals across the area next year and if you have ideas or initiatives addressing food waste or food insecurity, we would love to connect and learn from you. Jess Estcourt Jess Sumner Sue Brown Iryna Tyazhkorob Mel Willson A.Khristina Mc Cormack #foodbanks #foodnetworks #communityfridge #foodpantry #Sustainability #FoodWaste #FoodSecurity #Collaboration #CommunityImpact

Today is #WorldFoodDay, an annual reminder that food insecurity and malnourishment remain a widespread issue. S:US remains steadfast in addressing food insecurity in New York City. Last year, we harvested an estimated 10,200 lbs. of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and honey from our farm and garden network. This year, we continued to expand our efforts by launching a new community fridge in the Bronx, ensuring that no New Yorker faces hunger. Our white paper, “Uniting on Food Justice: An Innovative Approach from a Health and Human Service Organization,” highlights the significant connection between food insecurity and wellness, emphasizing how the lack of access to nutritious food can worsen chronic conditions and mental health. By integrating food justice into our services, we aim to reduce the disparities in access to healthy food for the people we serve. Learn more about our food security initiatives by visiting https://buff.ly/43vrXDr

Exciting news from the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank announcing their planned expansion, preparing them to double their capacity to meet growing demand in their area. Americans are reporting that they are less likely to donate food this year due to rising grocery costs and living expenses, while 65% of Food Banks are reporting higher demand for services, far exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Congrats on rising to meet the need in the Greater Peninsula region! #bringmoretothetable

The level of food insecurity in New York City has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. According to an analysis by Feeding America, the number of New York City residents struggling with food insecurity has risen by 36% overall and by 46% among children. We are grateful to our grantee partner City Harvest for responding to the crisis. They have rescued more than 1 billion pounds of nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste—working with restaurants, wholesalers, grocery stores, farms, and other partners— to distribute that food to individuals and families in need. Learn more about our work to address food insecurity in NY: https://lnkd.in/dMeS2hN2

🌱 Fighting the Stigma Around Food Insecurity: Sara's Story of Resilience 🌱 Did you know that one in six Americans is affected by food insecurity? At HelloFresh, we are committed to changing this statistic and ensuring fresh food is available and accessible to anyone in need. That's why we created LimeAid, a program designed to help individuals and families experiencing hardship or lack of food security. LimeAid allows neighbors, friends, or family members to nominate loved ones in need for a chance to win six months of free HelloFresh meals. One inspiring recipient of the LimeAid program is Sara Ariss, a Wisconsin native who unexpectedly faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Sara shared her story on GMA3 to discuss the stigma around food insecurity and how her own struggles inspired her to give back to her community. Despite the challenges she faced, Sara innovated the operations of local food pantries to better serve families like hers. Join us in applauding Sara's resilience and ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. To read more about Sara's journey, click here: https://lnkd.in/gV9BpQMR #FoodInsecurity #LimeAid #CommunitySupport #HelloFreshImpact