Food Provision

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Alongside shelter from the elements, one of the most basic needs for those experiencing homelessness is daily nourishment. Food banks and soup kitchens are two of the most well-known food provision methods, but grassroots approaches like charity refrigerators, corporate restaurant donations, and individual donations on the street have also proven to be successful. The rise of urban agriculture has further provided a way for those experiencing homelessness to feed themselves while engaging in meaningful cultivation work. To help with food provision, here are three ideas:
  • Install a charity refrigerator on your block, for people to freely donate to and take from as-needed
  • As a restaurant owner, consider donating leftover baked goods or foods to a local food bank instead of throwing them away
  • As an individual, buy a loaf of bread, make some sandwiches, toss them back in the bread bag, and pass them out to people experiencing homelessness that you run into

EXAMPLES

DESIGN PROGRAM POLICY
2
Reciprocity Foundation Provides Healthy Food for Homeless Youth New York, New York
2
Charity Refrigerator Hail, Saudi Arabia
2
Food Truck Serves Free Burritos to Homeless People in Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
Alongside shelter from the elements, one of the most basic needs for the homeless is daily nourishment. Food banks and soup kitchens are two of the most well-known food provision methods for the homeless, but grassroots approaches like charity refrigerators, corporate restaurant donations, and individual donations on the street have also proven to be successful. The rise of urban agriculture has further provided a way for the homeless to feed themselves while engaging in meaningful cultivation work. To help with food provision, here are three ideas:

  • Install a charity refrigerator on your block, for people to freely donate to and take from as-needed
  • As a restaurant owner, consider donating leftover baked goods or foods to a local food bank instead of throwing them away
  • As an individual, buy a loaf of bread, make some sandwiches, toss them back in the bread bag, and pass them out to homeless that you run into