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Food supply

Food Dignity Movement Partners with Wilkes-Barre Career and Technical Center to Address Food Insecurity in Northeast PA

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Food Dignity Movement, a non-profit organization focused on addressing food insecurity in Northeast PA, has partnered with the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center. This partnership aims to create a program that fosters educational and professional growth in the region. The initiative, called the WBCTC Food Hub Program, was formed in collaboration with the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board. The program creates a paid position for high school students in the Warehouse Management Career Track at the WBCTC, providing them with valuable resume-building experience through a food distribution program for their school.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WBCTC Food Hub Program provides paid employment for three high school students in the Warehouse Management Career Track, equipping them with practical skills in food distribution and management.
  • The program aims to strengthen the food supply chain and drive meaningful progress by providing students with opportunities in food production and distribution.
  • Small, family-owned farms are often left out of the food supply chain due to their limited capacity and resources, making it difficult for them to collaborate with larger organizations like food banks.
  • The Food Dignity Movement partners with local farmers who contribute over $200,000 worth of produce to the program.
  • The program addresses two critical problems: providing local farmers with opportunities and ensuring affordable, equitable food access for communities.
  • The Neag and the AllOne Foundation contribute to the program, which is designed to create meaningful opportunities for farmers and communities.
  • The initiative aims to provide food assistance to populations who are food insecure, breaking down barriers such as transportation and stigma.
  • The program enhances food security, drives agricultural innovation, and strengthens community organizations.
  • The Food Dignity Movement focuses on creating a connected community where everyone can thrive.

Statistics:

  • Food Dignity Movement has chosen 43 local farmers who contribute fresh produce to the program.
  • For two years, the program distributed fresh produce to 15 non-profit agencies per week.
  • Currently, there are 15 non-profit agencies waiting for the program's services.
  • The initiative aims to hire students in agriculture, culinary arts, technology, and health science programs.
  • The program seeks to create opportunities for students to collaborate with farmers.
  • The Food Dignity Movement plans to distribute over $200,000 worth local produce.
  • Within three years, the program aims to servicecum over 65,000 pounds of local produce.
  • The initiative aims to serve 1,400 individuals weekly through non-profit agencies.

Sources:

  • The Times Leader, Plaines Twp (Jun 23).
  • Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center.
  • The Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board.
  • The Food Dignity Movement.
  • Career and Technical Centers Development Board.
  • The Neag and the AllOne Foundation.

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