The Green Urban Lunch Box relies heavily on volunteers, but had to alter operations due to COVID-19. Instead of recruiting one-time volunteers, GULB recruited recurring volunteers.
With an eye toward the future of potentially not having a staff person to help bring Urban Abundance’s mission to fruition, an important element of 2020 was developing a program that kept volunteers engaged with the organization on a more consistent basis.
Another method for Urban Abundance to adapt to the pandemic was developing an entirely online harvest program.
Urban Abundance’s activities have traditionally been centered around volunteer events. When a global pandemic hit, the organization turned to installing publicly accessible edible landscapes throughout the community in a bid to continue furthering their mission when events couldn’t be held.
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…