Community Network To Provide Food Assistance

Approximately 13% of San Bernardino County, California residents live in poverty. San Bernardino County has implemented the anti-hunger project, “Community Network to Provide Food Assistance” to coordinate private/public food assistance resources to reduce gaps in and duplication of services to the needy. Coordination is achieved through: a county-wide, toll free “Hotline for Food” a directory listing over 340 food assistance agencies; staff training about food assistance resources and making referrals; Food Access Advisory Committee to direct project activities; “Regional Networks” of emergency food providers who resolve hunger issues in their communities; and disseminating nutrition materials. The hotline has referred over 10,341 callers to emergency food and long-term food programs. As a result of networking, the Nutrition, Head Start, and Social Services programs are collaborating on a nutrition education grant. In addition, many private food providers now give nutrition education to their clients that incorporates project developed nutrition education materials. To evaluate this project, information is collected using the computer linked, hotline intake questionnaire. Also, hotline referral cards are color-coded to track agencies making referrals and identify areas needing outreach. This project has enhanced food access in San Bernardino County and can be easily duplicated in any community.