laurel: Where do you live? I volunteer weekly at one of our food banks. They would be an excellent resource for you, especially regarding food insecurity.

I’m starting a feel dive on food at homeless shelters and food insecurity. Please let me know if you have expertise or lived experience (if comfortable sharing!) or know of resources—links, authors, books, articles. Thanks! DM or Discord (danboleo) if you don’t want to share here.

Where do you live? I volunteer weekly at one of our food banks. They would be an excellent resource for you, especially regarding food insecurity.

Arlington, VA. I volunteer at the local food pantry. I could ask them what food they provide to local shelters.

The food bank will likely have statistics on how many and which type of people use their programs. For example, I live in CA and the average amount awarded to SNAP recipients is $9/month* which is practically worthless and where the food bank steps in

Yes, SNAP benefits are way too low. I'm specifically talking here about meals served at homeless shelters, not food benefits used to purchase food, or even food picked up at pantries. People in shelters have to rely on what the shelter feeds them. Is it enough?

Ah I see! FWIW the food bank in my county provides food to shelters (as well as pantries, etc). They pick up food at the main food bank distribution center and then cook/distribute it there.

That makes sense. I imagine this is the most common model, though shelters also get donations directly from individuals.

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