Community Hunger Solutions (“CHS”) is a food distribution project
providing solutions to hunger in America
MISSION:
CHS is dedicated to increasing access to healthy food by
providing food pantries with surplus fresh produce from local farms.
The Immense Challenge:
-
Each year an estimated $3 billion dollars of quality produce is abandoned in U.S. farm fields
As much as 50% of every crop grown never reaches someone’s plate
-
One in every five Americans is considered to be food insecure
46 Million Americans receive food assistance and are trying to feed themselves on $4 a day
The CHS Response:
-
Procure surplus fresh produce from local farms by:
Buying Farmer’s “seconds”
Receiving retail/wholesale donations
Harvesting farm leftovers -
Distribute fresh produce to local food pantries & regional food banks
In 2014, CHS provided 137,000 healthy meals for less than $.60 per meal; in 2015 CHS provided 204,404 meals for $.36 per meal; in 2016, CHS provided 292,144 meals for $.26 per meal.
THE COMPONENTS
CHS’s (Replicable) Model for Addressing Waste & Hunger:
1. THE AREA
Ours is a rich farming area located in the heart of “Driftless Region” of Southwest Wisconsin
2. PARTNER FARMS
Farmers welcome a “seconds” market for the nearly 50% of their produce not meeting stringent retail specifications (though still containing 100% of the nutritional value)
3. SOURCING PRODUCE
- Seconds Market: Purchasing “seconds” produce (fresh food that would otherwise go to waste) from area growers
- Picking Up Produce: Picking up excess fresh produce from retail and wholesale distributors
- Harvesting & Volunteering: Harvesting leftover produce from local farms with volunteers and paid workers with varying abilities
4. THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION HUB
CHS utilizes a centralized food hub from which to receive, process, store, and efficiently distribute over 350,000 lbs. of fresh produce to local Food Pantries & Food Banks.
5. PARTNER FOOD PANTRIES & FOOD BANKS
CHS partners with local Food Pantries & Food Banks who serve 18 counties of Southwest Wisconsin — delivering fresh produce to over 70,000 people in need
About Us:
Who CHS Serves, Area Served & Benefits:
More about CHS’ activities and key information:
- Who CHS serves & area served
- Benefits from CHS’ services & possible future projects
Partner Funders:
CHS works with local businesses, organizations & private donors who support our efforts…which help to provide solutions to hunger in our community
How We’re Organized:
CHS operates this project under the umbrella of Vernon Economic Development Association, a local non-profit organization
CHS Educational Resources:
CHS has created educational resources for food pantries: recipe cards & food tasting demos that encourage clients to take home, cook and enjoy fresh produce