DePaul Community Health Centers - Arkansas’ Post

"The partnership between GoodRoots Northwest, Rainier Fresh Country Store, and other local supporters is an example of how diverse groups can unite to create solutions that are scalable and sustainable," says Dave Morell, Pierce County Councilmember for District 1 "By drawing on each partner's expertise, resources, and networks, they can broaden their reach and establish trust within the community. This collective strength also means they can respond more effectively to emergencies or changing needs within the community." https://lnkd.in/g6YSVPjQ

Goodr and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens have partnered to open a free grocery store in Fulton County to address food insecurity among elderly residents and low-income communities in a food desert. Located at the William Walker Recreation Center, the store provides essential groceries to families and seniors struggling with rising food costs. This initiative builds on Goodr's ongoing efforts, including partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools and nationwide programs to combat hunger. https://lnkd.in/gdWJuZ4z

Tiffany Haddish is bringing her vision to life with Diaspora Groceries, a store aimed at supporting the Crenshaw community. Focused on affordability, education, and catering to BIPOC individuals, the store will offer cooking classes, financial literacy programs, and specialty items to improve the well-being of locals.

The British philosopher John Gray wrote, “We are who we are because of the places in which we grow up, the accents and friends we acquire by chance, the burdens we have not chosen but somehow learn to cope with. Real communities are always local-places in which people have put down roots and are willing to put up with the burdens of living together..." Places, roots, accents, friends, loyalties, caring, burdens & responsibilities. An authentic & organic community is held together by a set of first principles or virtues and values just like a built structure is supported by a firm foundation, by brick and mortar, stone & concrete, by sets of columns & beams etc. In the case of the physical structure, remove the supports and the structure will come tumbling down, collapsing under its own weight into a pile of rubble. The same is true of organic communities which are also like structures, built with effort, care, love and compassion over long spans of time, held in place by the firm supports of human values and the glue of human relationships. Without love, caring and compassion, without commitment, without the willingness to shoulder duties & responsibilities, local communities cannot survive, cannot thrive. Keep up the good work.

Troy Bank and Trust team members, Brian Snyder and Steve Ogburn and his wife Beverly, recently partnered with the Food Bank of East Alabama and the Auburn Kiwanis to support the community. They participated in the "backpack program," which helps provide food to children in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County school systems. This initiative helps ensure that students in need have meals to take home over the weekend, bridging the gap when school meals aren't available.

The Pawley Lean Institute at Oakland University has teamed up with Forgotten Harvest for a Lean Community Service Project to improve how the OU Golden Grizzlies Pantry sources and distributes food to those in need. #ThisIsOU https://bit.ly/4g4Y7fM

Community initiatives play a vital role in combating food insecurity among Toronto's college students. Jane Doe’s article, “Community Efforts in Combating Hunger” (2023) in The Local, showcases inspiring stories of volunteers and local organizations stepping up to fill the gap. Doe writes, “Grassroots initiatives are proving to be a lifeline for many, yet more support is needed” (Doe, 2023). This article emphasizes the importance of local efforts and the ongoing need for resources to support these initiatives. Check out this compelling piece in the latest issue of The Local. #thelocal #foodinsecurities

𝑨𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕: This week Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services kick started their newest program, Project GROW. We are thrilled to support this program with funding from Planet Aid's Capacity & Environmental (PACE) grant. The pilot program shows participants how to grow their own food. as a way to combat food insecurity, and improve mental wellbeing, What could be better than benefitting people and the planet?