What is Food Assistance Navigation?
The Food Assistance Navigation (FAN) team offers support by connecting people to services that address both food insecurity and some of its drivers, including affordable housing, fuel assistance, transportation, job training, and more.
Some of the people receiving FAN support have been referred to the Food Bank through their health care providers, usually through screening positive for food insecurity as part of a larger Social Determinants of Health Screening. Others get connected by contacting the FAN team directly.
Seeking Services for Yourself or Someone Else
Although most of our referrals come from health care, social agencies and individuals seeking help can access Food Assistance Navigation services by:
- Visiting “Food Assistance Navigation” on the 413 Cares website, clicking “Contact”, and filling out a referral form
- OR, calling and leaving a message for our Navigators at 413-206-6276.
We are proud to work with the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts to make our services (and those of many other social service providers in the area) available to the public.
SNAP
Our SNAP team helps people access benefits, and can tell you if you are eligible for SNAP and submit an application over the phone for you.
Mobile Food Bank
The Mobile Food Bank brings free, nutritious groceries directly to communities. There are no eligibility requirements to receive food from our Mobile Food Bank- anyone can attend.
Nutrition Resources
Our nutrition team carefully crafts recipes and educational resources to make nutritious, delicious food on a budget and with common food pantry staples.