LibGuides: Pages to Plates: Serving Solutions for Food Insecurity and Nutrition Literacy: In your library

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How does hunger impact your area?
This interactive map is provided by Feeding America. Find basic statistics at the county level, and locate a participating Food Bank.
Food Bank of Western Mass
Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food to our members in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.
Worcester County Food Bank
Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) is one of three Feeding America member food banks in Massachusetts. They are dedicated to engaging, educating, and leading Worcester County, Massachusetts in creating a hunger-free community.
Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank works passionately to end hunger across Eastern Massachusetts by providing community members in need the healthy food and resources they need to thrive.

Handy Resources

Massachusetts Annual Statewide Survey on Food Insecurity, Equity & Access
Published annually by the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), this is a guiding document for decision makers. The data is indispensable for planning and advocacy. GBFB's other research and data is also linked here.
Talking Points About Health Literacy. By the CDC
If you want to make sure your colleagues, staff, senior leadership, and community leaders understand the importance of using health literacy concepts, use these talking points when making the case for building a health literate organization. Add talking points relevant to your organization.
MA Dept. of Public Health: Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
BFHN provides programs and services ensuring the health of the Commonwealth’s mothers, infants, children and youth, including children and youth with special health needs and their families.
Free promotion materials
Flyers, handouts, posters and social media kits for SNAP, FoodSource Hotline, and meal programs.
Network of the National Library of Medicine
The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Lamar Soutter Library serves as the Regional Medical Library (RML) for Region 7, the northeast. The RML provides programs, services, and support, including grants, in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Healthy People 2030
Healthy People 2030 sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade. A project of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Information specific to rural communities
Gaining access to healthy and affordable food can be a challenge for rural residents. Many rural areas lack food retailers and are considered food deserts: areas with limited supplies of fresh, affordable foods.

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Caveat lector: the site has been recently however some links go to out-of-date reports.

Project Breads sample materials

For patrons

Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
800-645-8333

Find food assistance in your area.

Find Food Assistance in MA
An easy-to-use resource from the Commonwealth, answer a few questions about your household, and you'll be provided information about what state programs you're eligible for.

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CAVEAT LECTOR: the final link to a list of food pantries is a dead link.
MASSCAP Mass Association for Community Action
Food pantry, meals on wheels locator. SummerEats information and documentation. Another government program lookup.

Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs

The fundamental premise of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is that basic needs (at the bottom level of the pyramid) must be met before a person can access the level above. In short, if people don't have food, safety, or security they aren't positioned to behave, learn, grow, or mature and contribute positively to society.

Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs detailed explanation
From the MLS/MBLC sponsored Gale databases: Schmutte, Denise L. "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs." The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, edited by Jacqueline L. Longe, 5th ed., vol. 4, Gale, 2023, pp. 2255-2258.

Pages to Plates: Serving Solutions for Food Insecurity and Nutrition Literacy: In your library