Fostering food security: plan for local hunger solutions
Nathan Smith, Phoenix Rescue Mission
Background
Services that meet basic needs, such as food, clothing, and hygiene are offered along with programs that help empower individuals and families out of food insecurity. In order to maximize the impact of these efforts, services will be delivered in specific Phoenix Rescue Mission (PMR) target communities, which are located in the cities of Glendale and Phoenix. The main goal of the program model is to increase food security in PRM target communities.
Research questions
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How can Phoenix Rescue Mission evolve its programs to better meet the basic needs of people facing food insecurity in our communities?
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How can Phoenix Rescue Mission expand its programs to help people achieve a level of self-sufficiency that keeps them from needing emergency services?
Methods and findings
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Exploration of the diverse aspects of the food systems network, including production, storage, distribution, and attribution, helps to build a more dynamic food security approach.
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Phoenix Rescue Mission does not need to tackle every challenge as maximizing partnerships can strengthen their programs and allow them to maintain a strong central focus.
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Food insecurity and poverty are closely tied.
Partners
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Food Bank Guests
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Farmers and Gardeners
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Environmental Sustainability Experts
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Local and Regional Food Banks
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Nutritionists
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Social Service Experts
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School Administrators and Staff
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Academic Researchers
Deliverables
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Nonprofit food distribution programs should take a broad approach when considering collaboration for programs.
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Creating access to healthy food creates a pathway for people using services to focus on becoming financially secure and empowers them towards self-sufficiency.
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Phoenix Rescue Mission can expand partnerships to create more opportunities for people to gain work-related skillsets.
Nate Smith
Chief Program Officer
Phoenix Rescue Mission
Community Fellow 2019
Nathan Smith is passionate about Christ-centered missions to the world's least fortunate. He spent seven years as a church Missions Pastor and has worked for Phoenix Rescue Mission for five years, where he is currently the Director of Community Engagement Services. In 2011, Nathan was awarded the "Community Luminary" award by the State of Black Arizona and in 2017 was named by the Arizona Republic as one of 23 emerging leaders under the age of 40 helping to shape the future of philanthropy in Arizona. Nathan has participated in six short-term missions trips to India, working in local orphanages and teaching in Bible colleges.