Food Security for America believes that for people to move from poverty, they need long-term food security, increased financial wellbeing, and social support.
Founders Rev. Nancy Yarnell and Michelle P. Neville came together in 2010 with the vision to expand the emergency food pantry model as we know it throughout Georgia and nationally. In this new model, Food Security Groups are formed with the help of non-profits and faith-based organizations who have received the training on the FSA model. Their program provides the necessary steps to equip those in need with the opportunity to receive healthy food, and to connect and grow with their neighbors. Unlike food pantries, FSA’s goal is to enable individuals and families to reach their fullest potential by fostering fellowship, community, and good health.
To help this happen FSA provides the tools and skills to local organizations so they can lead their own Food Security Groups. Full participation is the key to success. Members are required to pay a nominal fee and to commit to unloading the food truck, dispersing food among members, and most importantly, participating in fellowship. This group model creates space for members to form deep relationships with neighbors, increase self-confidence, and promote self-sufficiency to thrive. Members have many options for how they spend their fellowship time. FSA believes in focusing on their members’ gifts, talents, capacities, and creativity– not their deficits. Thus, the members, and staff hired from within the community, run the Food Security Groups themselves, largely without outside volunteers.
Community and fellowship can take on many forms. FSA shared that recently a local food group received fresh pineapples in their delivery. One of the members of their group who had a food service background set up a demonstration for her group members on how to safely cut a fresh pineapple for use with a meal. This was a fun experience that allowed group members to get together and expand their knowledge about food preparation and meal options.
You may learn more and support the good work being done through Food Security of America by donating here.
