Start a Program

There are many types of community-based organizations working to end hunger and poverty. Indeed, while food pantries and soup kitchens are among the most familiar, day care cooperatives, homeless shelters, community gardens, and job-training programs—to name a few—are all integral components of both the anti-hunger and community food security movements. Because each program is unique, there is no master formula for success. The following, however, are some key considerations that would benefit anyone looking to start a program.

• Know the Community
  Before you begin designing your program, you should familiarize yourself with the local community. What organizations are already active in the area? What services are already being provided? Which needs are going unmet? Such knowledge will help you avoid the duplication of services and ensure that your program is filling a critical gap.
  
  
• Know Your Resources
  You should also familiarize yourself with sources of funding and support, which can be found at the local, regional, and national levels. Fundraising can be a job unto itself, but if done well it can yield high returns.
  
  
• Build Partnerships
  Community-based organizations are more likely to experience success if they collaborate with each other. Partnerships allow organizations to learn from each others’ experiences, increase program efficiency, and improve the breadth and quality of services provided.
  
  

While there are certainly many types of organizations working to end hunger and poverty, a majority of the questions fielded by NHC are in regard to food pantries and soup kitchens. Consequently, many of the NHC resources are specific to those programs. For those looking to start or improve a pantry or kitchen, we have an information packet of publications which we mail, free of charge, upon request. We also encourage prospective entrepreneurs to connect with as many federal nutrition programs and/or national service networks as are relevant to their interests.

Federal Nutrition Programs
The federal government has implemented various nutrition programs which it administers through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA. These programs are intended to provide a formal “safety net” through which low-income Americans are protected from outright starvation. In many programs, assistance is channeled through community-based organizations. Your program could greatly expand the breadth of services provided by participating in any of these programs. To learn more, visit the FNS website at fns.usda.gov, or contact NHC to obtain a copy of the USDA’s National Nutrition Safety Net (see “Publications” section below for more details).

National Service Networks
The private, nonprofit sector has also assumed a pivotal role in the mission to end hunger and poverty. In fact, there are numerous national networks whose efforts have done as much to build a common awareness of hunger and poverty as the federal nutrition programs. Before you begin designing your program, you should determine whether any of these networks are active in your area and what insights and/or assistance they might have to offer. The following are several such networks;

• America’s Second Harvest
  The nation’s largest network of food banks (agencies that receive large donations of food and redistribute them to food pantries and other community-based organizations). It includes over 200 food banks and serves every county in the U.S.
  
  
• United Way
  Works in partnership with community-based organizations; a good source of local information and referrals.
  
  
• Catholic Charities USA
  Provides direct services, regardless of religious affiliation.
  
  
• Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
  Public and private nonprofit organizations established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to help people achieve self-sufficiency. They provide direct services, are governed locally, and usually work in partnership with other community-based organizations. The Community Action Partnership is a national forum that oversees the nation’s 1,000 CAAs.

Publications
The National Hunger Clearinghouse has various publications that can help guide you through the design and management of a program. Contact us to receive free copies through the mail, or view them online.

• Serving up Justice: How to Design an Emergency Feeding Program and Build Community Food Security (WHY Publication)
  A resource guide for those looking to start or improve emergency feeding programs. It outlines the logistics of design and management, as well as the various avenues through which emergency food providers can promote-self reliance among clients.
  
  
• Going Beyond Emergency Food (WHY Publication)
  An abbreviated version of Serving Up Justice, this pamphlet discusses ways in which emergency feeding providers can implement measures that help people move beyond dependence on emergency food.
  
  
• Building the Bridge (WHY/CFSC Publication)
  Highlights the efforts of food banks whose methods of providing food assistance include measures that promote community-building, sustainability, and self-reliance.
  
  
• National Nutrition Safety Net (USDA Publication)
  Designed to help community-based organizations—and communities themselves—assess whether or not they are taking full advantage of federal nutrition assistance programs, to identify barriers to community food security, and to seek opportunities for improvement.
  
  
• A Citizen’s Guide to Food Recovery (USDA Publication)
  A resource guide on food recovery and gleaning programs for community-based organizations, businesses, citizens, and public officials. It describes current food recovery and gleaning practices and suggests how communities can support existing programs or begin new efforts.
  
  
• Community Food Security Resource Kit (USDA Publication)
  Designed to help communities find funds, technical assistance, and other help for community food security-related activities from a wide variety of sources.