A new model of delivering services

At a meeting of the Strategic Implementation Committee of Foodshare's Board of Directors recently, the following question was asked:  “Could we transition food pantries to ‘nutrition and wellness centers?’”  The committee then discussed how this might reduce the stigma of asking for help and that these centers could add other programs to provide wrap-around services to help people move toward self-sufficiency.  As the discussion continued, it was noted that offering client choice in food selection and treating people with respect would be important.  To work, a program like this would have to be about building relationships and supporting and mentoring the clients toward health and self-sufficiency, not just meeting the immediate need for food.

And now, I know that this was a brilliant idea, for we were not the first ones to have it!  On Friday, Family Life Education, in the Parkville neighborhood of Hartford, unveiled their plans for the Children’s Fitness and Wellness Center.  Family Life Education is focused on fighting the childhood obesity that so often goes along with food insecurity.  When families cannot afford to eat healthily, they buy cheaper and filling foods, but often at the cost of their weight and their health.

The Children’s Fitness and Wellness Center will have three components:  early childhood development, fitness, and nutrition.  Families who bring their children to the program will also benefit from a full range of wrap-around services provided by Family Life Education – fitness and recreation activities, cooking and nutrition education, gardening, fresh food distribution from Mobile Foodshare, various health screenings, and adult education, including a computer lab.

Congratulations to the innovative leadership at Family Life Education!  We look forward to partnering with you in this innovative work and believe this could be a model for nutrition and wellness centers replacing the classic food pantry.