Food For Change Pioneering Phase
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
By: Ryan Bellinghausen

2016.2

Houston Food Bank’s (HFB) leadership understands hunger is a symptom of poverty and food is often just one of the many resources needed by clients. Furthermore, the Board of Directors understands that if the Food Bank continues with traditional techniques, the same clients may rely on assistance indefinitely. Under the Food for Change initiative, HFB has and will continue to enter collaborations with area organizations and use nutritious food as an incentive to connect clients with additional services in the areas of: Health and Wellness, Housing, Financial Capability, Workforce Development and Education.

The Food Bank has begun the pioneering phase of many Food for Change initiatives, including one with two local community college system partners. Through this collaboration, food is used as an incentive for the completion of specific vocational training programs that can lead to employability. Participants will receive food scholarships, an estimated 120 pounds of healthy groceries (equivalent to 100 meals); half of which will consist of fresh produce. The community colleges have their own criteria for participation, however; as with any scholarship program, the recipients of the food scholarships must maintain eligibility through their participation in a program.

A research director will then measure the viability of this program and the impact of food donations on the lives of the participants. The food scholarships are intended to incentivize the students to complete their course of study by providing food in direct proportion to credit hours completed. The Food Bank understands that there will always be situations in which people will need temporary assistance; however by using nutritious food to connect clients with additional services, HFB intends to help individuals make long-term changes that will promote their health, finances and overall well-being. By collaborating with organizations to not only treat hunger, but all symptoms of poverty, HFB is able to impact the lives of clients in a lasting way.