One of the barriers that keep families and individuals from meeting their daily food needs is not knowing about the resources available in the community. To increase awareness throughout the community, FIN held a four-hour workshop in June about how these programs and benefits work, who’s eligible, and how to access them.
The 16 workshop participants learned about resources such as SNAP, WIC, food banks and meal programs, School and Summer Meal Programs, Fresh Bucks and Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and community gardens. Now the participants are equipped to help spread the word, and are able to do so in many languages.
Here’s what FIN Community Food Advocate and Steering Committee Co-Chair Gladis Clemente said about the training:
“I learned that food access is not simply a health issue, but also a community development issue. There are resources out there that can help those who struggle to afford enough food. As an Advocate, I think it’s really important to promote these resources and share the facts with everyone, because there are some myths about the requirements to apply for this programs, and nobody should struggle to afford food for their families.”
Thanks to our partners, WSU Food $ense Program, Within Reach, United Way of King County and Tukwila Pantry, for presenting and sharing this valuable information.
And a BIG thanks to the 16 participants who committed the time and energy to doing this important community outreach.
If you are interested in having one of workshop participants present at a community event, meeting or class, please contact Kamal Adhikari at kamal@foodinnovationnetwork.org.