Six Distinct Focus Areas

Clients are warmly welcomed and healthy options are easy to access

Sample Initiatives:

• Creating an easy, quick check-in process
• Designing pantry space to be welcoming, attractive, and easy to find
• Providing recipe cards matched with items being distributed

Clients, volunteers, and staff have access to nutrition and culinary education

Sample Initiatives:

• Providing virtual or on site nutrition education classes for clients
• Training volunteers and staff on food handling and safe extension dates
• Posting nutrition education resources including posters, recipe cards, and fun facts

People of different backgrounds have access to food and information that fits their preferences and health needs

Sample Initiatives:

• Offering halal, kosher, vegetarian, and other food options based on dietary needs
• Surveying clients on their dietary preferences and needs
• Training staff and volunteers on the dietary and cultural backgrounds and needs of clients

Pantries connect and collaborate with the community

Sample Initiatives:

• Connecting clients with outreach workers for food security programs
• Building relationships with local community groups as a source of potential volunteers
• Partnering with organizations for delivery services

Healthy foods are prioritized for distribution. Pantries support a variety of waste reduction efforts

Sample Initiatives:

• Identifying new community food sources
• Creating systems for handling food waste in environmentally-friendly ways
• Implementing systems and policies aimed at offering consistent and nutritionally-rich food bags

Policies and procedures are documented and align with a commitment to dignified, healthy distribution

Sample Initiatives:

• Drafting a pantry Operations Manual
• Posting Pantry Mission and Vision Statements, and communications for staff, volunteers, and clients
• Creating a ‘Respect and Dignity’ policy