Food

The Service Delivery Team examined the concern of food in our community. It found several things:

• There is a wide array of local food pantries in our community. The sizes and level of sophistication varies, but the potential network of local resources is in place. There are probably many, many more that the Team is not even aware of that could be added to the list.
• There is a need for a more inclusive and integrated Food Delivery System. There are many interested and involved parties at this time, doing a wide array of tremendous tings, but not all efforts are coordinated and involving all potential resources available.
• There is a need for a variety of ways for people to access food. We need to have access that is timely, localized, and sensitive to those in need, as well as those providing the food, with as few hurdles as possible. There are existing resources in place that could be tapped to assist in this way.
• There are populations who can not access food for a variety of reasons, and in those cases, food may need to brought to them
• There is a need for access to fresh fruits, vegetables, milk products as well as fish, and meats.
• There is a need to support our local vendors in the provision of food to our community
• There is a potential for waste due to the lack of communication and networking amongst the food providers.
• There is a need to involve the local supermarkets, grocery stores etc in the service delivery system in a more active way than simply donated goods.
• There is a need to support our local food bank on a regular basis, as well as encouraging the coordination of other major food drives so as to maximize our community's resources
• There is a need to involve our community more in the issue of food, hunger and how they can help. It needs to be something that we all contribute to and see as essential

As a result, the Service Delivery Team has formulated a list of potential responses to these needs:

1. FOODNet. A communication network for all local food pantries, food banks and any other provider of food, to enable them to stay in touch on a regular basis, so as to support each there in getting the food to where the need is. A system where providers could examine inventories, exchange foods that thy have a surplus of, with others who are in need and visa versa, to meet the need in their community at that time. This would reduce potential waste, support the sense of community amongst the providers, and move food "out" more quickly to where the need is.

This could be done online and where there are no computers, there would be phone contact to the main site. Perhaps donations of computers to these sites without would be possible from the Food industry, local foundations and and/or local businesses.

FOODNet could be coordinated by a Not for Profit with the capability to support the System, The Food Bank, Aloha United Way, etc.

2. ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER CARDS (EBT). There is already a system in place in our state that could be utilized to expedite the access to food. Utilizing the existing system with some additional supports, people could secure an EBT card and utilize it in a variety of ways. Instead of receiving actual canned goods all the time, one could utilize the card at local supermarkets, grocery stores etc who accept the card. It would be important to secure the involvement of the Food Industry Council right from the start in this effort. This would eliminate a huge barrier for may who need food but can not always get to the pantries or social service agencies during normal business house.

3. OPEN MARKETS. If open markets could be supported so as to enable them to accept EBT Cards, Food Stamps and/or gift certificates it would increase access to fresh foods. It would also support the local vendors as well.
Using the EBT cards, people would be able to access open

4. OUTREACH. There are many for whom a visit to a grocery store, food bank or social service agency is problematic (i.e. undocumented immigrants, victims of domestic violence, disabled, or outlying areas). Perhaps a mobile food pantry or outreach efforts could be established along with FOODNet or some other existing service or agency (i.e. Meals on Wheels) who, with some support form others, could reach out to these specialized populations

5. TRANSPORATION. Perhaps a system could be set up at specific sites where people could car pool, share rides with others so as to go the sites for food. For some, the lack of bus fare, a vehicle or childcare can be a barrier. Perhaps the utilization of truck drivers and business to move food to sites when needed. Buy in from local Unions would help.

6. RESOURCES. It is the team's hope that most of this could be accomplished simply by cooperation, support and partnerships. But where there is a need for financial support for staff and equipment to make these efforts possible, we would want to look at a variety of resources such as a) the community, b) The Hui of Grantmakers c) Local business and d) associations such as the Food Industry Council.

7. BUILD FROM WITHIN. It is important that we do whatever we can to support self-sufficiency and a diversified economy. It is important that people be provided the knowledge, the resources and support to grow their own food, develop small business and share with each other is a way that leaves all the agencies out of the picture unless so requested or for as little time as possible.

(posted 12.12.01)