Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries, Katie S. Martin
Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries, Katie S. Martin
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Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries
New Tools to End Hunger

Author: Katie S. Martin

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Unabridged: 8 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/11/2021


Synopsis

In the US, there is a wide-ranging network of at least 370 food banks, and more than 60,000 hunger-relief organizations such as food pantries and meal programs. These groups provide billions of meals a year to people in need. And yet hunger still affects one in nine Americans. What are we doing wrong?

In Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries, Katie Martin argues that if handing out more and more food was the answer, we would have solved the problem of hunger decades ago. Martin instead presents a new model for charitable food, one where success is measured not by pounds of food distributed but by lives changed. The key is to focus on the root causes of hunger. When we shift our attention to strategies that build empathy, equity, and political will, we can implement real solutions.

Martin shares those solutions in a warm, engaging style, with simple steps that anyone working or volunteering at a food bank or pantry can take today. Some are short-term strategies to create a more dignified experience for food pantry clients: providing client choice, where individuals select their own food, or redesigning a waiting room with better seating and a designated greeter. Some are longer-term: increasing the supply of healthy food, offering job training programs, or connecting clients to other social services.

About Katie S. Martin

Katie S. Martin is the executive director of the Foodshare Institute for Hunger Research and Solutions. She is recognized as a thought leader on food security issues, and has presented her research at dozens of regional and national conferences.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Karla on January 05, 2025

2025: I am now 3 years in at my organization. I keep this book handy and recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about food security. All new board members receive a copy. It is a clear, concise, enjoyable read with plenty of real life examples. Her menu presentation and action steps at t......more

Goodreads review by Marc on June 04, 2021

Dr. Martin is on a mission to eradicate food insecurity by building a more creative and coordinated system that leaves nobody behind. Katie has dedicated her career to researching food insecurity, talking with individuals who experience food insecurity, visiting food banks and food pantries, and cre......more

Goodreads review by Kari on June 27, 2023

This is a thoughtful exploration of what it would really look like to address food insecurity in this country. The author addresses best practices for food pantries (things like giving their customers choice and a voice as well as thoughtful partnerships with the same vision). She also addresses bro......more

Goodreads review by Rahul on January 31, 2025

3.5/5 Good ideation on areas of change for food pantries. Having some exposure and experience many points where more conceptual and already familiar. However a good book to find new books and more actionable/inspiring works (eg The Stop by Nick Saul). Read more of "how you should do xyz" rather than a......more

Goodreads review by wes on April 13, 2024

I'm a food bank consumer and haven't ever worked in one, but I've considered it. I did find the history of food banks interesting, and recognized the ways in which they're trying to improve. I recognize the full choice movement, for example. My food bank does it! It's an interesting book.......more