In partnership with Feed Communities, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service graduate student Cathrine Schwader of Rogers, Ark. conducted an assessment of the healthy food options available in food pantries and community meals.
Schwader interviewed food assistance organizations in Benton and Washington counties to learn about their current practices with an emphasis in understanding the ability of organizations to provide fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods.
“Increasing access to healthy food and improving healthy food choices are Feed Communities two primary goals,” said Melissa Terry, programs coordinator at Feed Communities “This study is relevant for our regional programs in that it helps us determine where, when and how we can coordinate fresh food recovery and distribution initiatives from our regional grocery retailers directly to community meal programs.”
According to the national hunger relief organization, Feeding America, 63,460 people in Benton and Washington counties are food insecure. Many of these people use food assistance organizations to help feed their families. It is important to know how these vital organizations operate, if they are able to provide healthy foods, and what challenges they face in serving the community. Many organizations are currently only able to offer fresh fruits and vegetables on a limited basis due difficulties involved in sourcing and storage of fresh produce.
In addition to a report that analyzes the results of the interviews, the assessment includes a map of the organizations providing food assistance, which will help Feed Communities in a food recovery program that connects local businesses with food assistance organizations to redirect edible food that would otherwise get thrown away.
Schwader completed the project as part of the Clinton School’s Capstone program, the final of three field service projects in the Master of Public Service degree program.
About Feed Communities:
Feed Communities is an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization founded with the vision of supporting and expanding local food systems as a means of providing durable solutions for food security. Feed Communities works with individuals, organizations, schools, universities, government agencies and foundations to create sustainable partnerships for increasing access to healthy foods and improving healthy food choices.
More information about Feed Communities can be found at www.feedcommunities.org.
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