What is ReThink Hunger?
ReThink Hunger is an initiative to transform the way we address hunger in our community. A key function of ReThink Hunger is an incentive system that will align our network of partner agencies in a shared mission to end hunger.
The ReThink Hunger initiative exists in order to address the whole needs of our clients. Providing food is important, but focusing on food alone ignores the many other factors that keep a person trapped in cycles of poverty and hunger. Many of our clients have to choose between food for themselves and their families, and other essentials; such as housing, medical care, or childcare. ReThink Hunger encourages our network of partner agencies to alleviate these needs all in one place.
Our partner network serves our community in new ways by focusing on four goals:
- Improve the capacity of the network to handle and distribute large quantities of nutritious and perishable food;
- Increase availability and access to food for those in need;
- Engage in SNAP outreach to ensure that clients are receiving supplemental benefits; and
- Collaborate with social services to address the root causes of hunger
Click here and download the PDF to learn more.
How Does ReThink Hunger Work?
ReThink Hunger allows the Food Bank to identify which agencies are best leveraging the impact of food in their community and invest additional resources with these agencies. Once a year, agencies submit data on ReThink Hunger as part of their usual monthly reports. The Food Bank then evaluates this information and assigns agencies to a specific score tier, ranging from the Community Partner level to the Platinum Partner level.
The tier system incentivizes agencies to improve their level of service to those in need. Agencies receive rewards based on their tier, including eligibility for grant funding, reduced handling fees on orders, and priority for Food Bank pilot programs. The rewards entice agencies to improve their score and thus further improve the availability of resources for clients in our community.
Current information about rewards and drawbacks within the tier system can be found in the ReThink Hunger reports below.
ReThink Hunger System Overview
Evaluation: Each Agency will be evaluated according to an established rubric that aligns with ReThink Hunger goals.
Rewards: Agencies that meet a set score will be eligible for specified awards.
Drawbacks: Agencies that fall below a baseline score will face certain drawbacks.
Informational Materials
2018
2017
2016
2015
Data collection changes starting October 1, 2015
Discussion Results: In July 2015, we conducted several ReThink Hunger discussions on how your agency can strengthen their relationship with the Food Bank to better serve our neighbors.
ReThink Hunger Mock Evaluation: This document explains the ReThink Hunger mock evaluation released in January 2016 and provides a snapshot of network engagement.
How to Improve Your ReThink Hunger Score
Here are some tips to enhance the ways you serve clients and meet the goals of ReThink Hunger! Thanks for all that you do in the community so far.
1. Distribution and Nutrition
Goal: Improve the capacity of the network to handle and distribute large quantities of nutritious and perishable food.
Total Points: 35
Here are some tips to meet this goal:
- Place an order with the Food Bank
- Email Holly Park at hpark@centraltexasfoodbank.org to learn about and sign up for Agency Retail Pick-Up Opportunities.
- Want additional NO-COST produce? All partner agencies are assigned a specific day and time for food pick-ups. Appointment times remain the same until your agency requests a change in advance. If a partner agency is unable to pick up at its appointed time, an agency representative must call Michelle White at 512-684-2150 to reserve another pickup time. Click here for more information regarding Ordering Procedures.
- Want additional NO-COST produce, but can’t get down to the Food Bank? Waco and Temple area partners can pick-up at produce at produce container hubs.
- What is the CHOP system CTFB uses to evaluate your nutritional content? Learn more.
2. Access and Availability
Goal: Increase availability and access to food for those in need.
Total Points: 15
Achieve Success in Access and Availability!
3. Engagement in SNAP Outreach
Goal: Engage in SNAP outreach to ensure that clients are receiving supplemental benefits.
Total Points: 20
Informational Materials to Distribute to Clients:
- SNAP Frequently Asked Questions (English and Spanish)
- SNAP for Seniors (English and Spanish)
- SNAP for Students (English and Spanish)
- To refer clients to CTFB’s SNAP specialists: Phone: 1-855-366-3401 Visit: www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/SNAP
- For onsite outreach: To schedule a Food Bank visit to your agency for onsite SNAP outreach, or to become a community partner site where your staff can assist clients in applying for SNAP benefits, please contact: agencies@centraltexasfoodbank.org
- You may also have SNAP onsite application assistance from non-Food Bank staff. Enter your pantry’s zip code to find other areas offering one-on-one SNAP application assistance, such as your local county health district.
4. Health and Economic Opportunity
Goal: Collaborate with social services to address the root causes of hunger.
Detailed lists of places to serve various needs in your county are coming soon!
If you would like personalized advice for meeting your health and economic opportunity needs, contact us by email or phone at agencies@centraltexasfoodbank.org and 512-684-2503.
