1. Making the case to communities & foundations A Food Systems Approach to Hunger Liz Sheehan Castro Project Manager, Hunger-Free & Healthy Worcester Food & Active Living Policy Council Worcester, MA

2. Agenda Introduction The Concept hunger & community food security Hunger-Free & Healthy as a case study Working with foundations and funders Wrap-up & Questions 3. Policy Council Hunger- Free & Healthy Staff (me!) 4. Community Food Security (CFS) Community food security is a condition in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice. --Mike Hamm and Anne Bellows 5. Low Income Food Needs Broad Goals Community focus Self-reliance/empowerment Local agriculture Systems-oriented Six Principles of CFS 6. Hunger-Free & Healthy: A Case Study Origins: Summer Feeding Project Success Funder: Health Foundation of Central MA Timeline: 2007-2012 Purpose: Hunger as a Public Health Issue 7. Dedicated funder Strong, cooperative coalition of organizations Evaluation Keys to Success 8. Project Components: Systems & Behavior Collaboration Communication Sustainability School Meals SNAP Cooking Classes Gardening Farmers Markets Policy Advocacy 9. School Meals Reach: 2/3 of meals eaten in schools Need: 70% free and reduced Success: 16 schools have breakfast in the classroom Whole grain, fresh and local fruits & veggies Farm to School 10 Get Fresh, Get Local programs No high fructose corn syrup in milk Wellness Policy School Nutrition legislation 10. SNAP Need: only 49% of eligible households participated in 2004 Success (as of 2011) 30 sites throughout city 200 new Worcester families on SNAP Minimum of $253,000 in benefits secured 80% of applicants would not have applied without mobile advocacy and assistance In MA 77% eligible are participating Secured ongoing funding for outreach 11. Cooking Classes Share Our Strength Cooking Matters Need: Cultural of convenience = lack of cooking skills Success: 115 adults and 15 youth graduated between 2008- 2011. Classes maintained a 73% graduation rate. 73% are eating more vegetables 62% are eating more fruits 80% are eating more whole grains 47% are eating more low-fat or fat-free dairy 49% are eating more lean meats 90% improved their cooking skills 12. Educational Gardens Need: Students have little connection to where their food comes from Success: Since 2010, 20 new gardens established in elementary, middle and high schools. Teachers and principals report high usage of garden. Has promoted cross-subject integration: health, woodworking, math, writing, community service, life skills. Secured 3-years of Americorps VISTA support for dedicated staff. Working on curriculum development. 13. Farmers Market Need: No markets in low-income neighborhoods; none accepted SNAP, all mid-day, midweek Success: Main South Farmers Market has 300-500 weekly attendees Continued growth of sales and attendees. Over 40% sales to low-income (SNAP/WIC/SC) Successful Mobile Market launched in 2012 14. $- $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00 $8,000.00 $10,000.00 $12,000.00 $14,000.00 Saletotal Year SNAP, WIC, Senior Coupon Sales 2009 2010 2011 15. Policy Advocacy Need: Sustainable Change Success: School Nutrition Bill (MA) MA Food Policy Council SNAP Budget Increase (MA) Wellness Policy (Worcester) Relationships with local, state, fed. officials 16. Sustainability Coalition and relationships Regional Environmental Council Farmers Markets, Cooking Classes, School Gardens Project Bread, WCFB, DTA & SNAP Diversified funding due to early successes Continued advocacy 17. Funding Keys to Success Choose the right funders Make the case with data Build relationships Good writing Follow directions Budget Confidence 18. Get involved! Stay in touch! Liz Sheehan Castro hungerfree@worcesterfoodpolicy.org 508-723-4550 http://worcesterfoodandactiveliving.wordpress.com Facebook Twitter