Community Outreach

SNAP Outreach | Springfield Food Access Project and Target:Hunger | Springfield Food Policy Council | Advocacy

Part of The Food Bank’s core mission is to lead communities toward long-term solutions to the problems that cause hunger.  Doing so requires systemic change brought about by concerned citizens who live and work in those communities.

• ♦ The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach works with food insecure individuals and families to determine if they are eligible for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) assistance.  This resource is underutilized in Massachusetts, and can be used to buy healthy and affordable foods.

• ♦ Two important community projects ended in 2010. The Springfield Food Access Project was a two-year project that united faith- and community-based organizations to develop strategies that would increase access to affordable, culturally appropriate, and nutritious food in the city of Springfield. In 2005 and 2006, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts launched an innovative community organizing project called Target:Hunger.  Located in two distinct communities, one urban and one rural, the project was slated to pilot different community-led and community-based initiatives to reduce hunger and increase food security over four years.  The Food Bank worked with dozens of local partners and residents in Mason Square, Springfield, and North Berkshire County to implement new, sustainable, and measurable solutions to the problems of hunger and unequal access to nutritious foods in these communities.

• ♦ The Springfield Food Policy Council oversees the coordination of public and private efforts to improve access to nutritious, affordable, fresh, and safe foods for all residents of Springfield. To the greatest extent possible, this Council advocates for policies and resources that promote and strengthen the local and regional food systems for the City of Springfield by investing in local resources and solutions. Read more about the Springfield Food Policy Council.

• ♦ By working together we can eliminate hunger in our communities.  The Food Bank’s Advocacy outreach brings community members and legislators together to argue for fair and just food policy, at the city, state, and national levels.