Feeding Ourselves Resource Guide

A Resource and Solidarity Guide for Educators, Families, and Communities

If we assume SNAP and other federal food supports collapse or are stripped away, the question becomes not “What will we do?” but “How will we take care of each other?”

Montessori said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
That promise cannot survive hunger.

Here is a set of justice-centered, dignity-driven pathways for communities to ensure no child or adult goes hungry — even when the systems designed to prevent that have chosen not to.

Feeding America Network

The largest and most consistent source of community-based food access. 200+ regional food banks operate across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C., distributing through local pantries, faith organizations, and community centers.
Website: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
How to use it:

Families can find nearby food distribution points.
Teachers can compile local lists for families and post them in newsletters, staff rooms, and community boards.

Organizers can contact regional food banks to coordinate school-based distribution events.

Mutual Aid Networks

Mutual aid is solidarity, not charity. It’s neighbors pooling resources to meet one another’s needs directly. Thousands of local groups formed during the pandemic still operate across the U.S.
Website directory: mutualaidhub.org
How to use it:

Search by ZIP code to find local mutual aid groups offering grocery deliveries, meal exchanges, and supply redistribution.
Teachers can join or partner with local networks to connect families quietly and respectfully.

Families can both give and receive, reinforcing the principle that help moves in all directions.

Community Gardens, Urban Agriculture, and Gleaning Projects

When federal safety nets break, local soil becomes survival.
Find or start:

American Community Garden Association
AmpleHarvest.org — connects gardeners with local food pantries accepting fresh produce.

Local gleaning networks let families harvest surplus crops left behind after commercial harvests.
Educator Role: Montessori classrooms are uniquely positioned to connect children to food production. Schools can adopt plots, build raised beds, or partner with existing gardens as living lessons in cooperation and care.

Food Cooperatives and Collective Buying Clubs

Community food co-ops, bulk-buying clubs, and local CSAs (community-supported agriculture) can lower per-family costs.
Find one: coopdirectory.org or localharvest.org
Action Steps:

Start a teacher-led buying club to reduce grocery costs for multiple families.

Negotiate with local farms for subsidized shares or “solidarity boxes.”

211 United Way Helpline

A 24/7, confidential helpline that connects people to local resources for food, housing, and utilities. It operates nationally, in English and Spanish.
Website: 211.org | Phone: Call or text 211

Why it matters: 211 is one of the fastest ways to find what’s open now. It bridges people to food pantries, mobile meal programs, and emergency distribution without requiring formal documentation.
Educator Action: Every teacher and administrator should have “211” printed on visible signage in staff rooms and family communication materials.

Local Food Rescue and Redistribution Programs

Many cities and counties have organizations that collect surplus food from farms, restaurants, and grocery stores and distribute it to those in need.
Examples:

The Farmlink Project (thefarmlinkproject.org)
Rescuing Leftover Cuisine (rescuingleftovercuisine.org)
Food Rescue US (foodrescue.us)
How to use it:
Families can volunteer or sign up for local pick-ups.

Teachers can help coordinate family sign-ups or bring food rescue programs to school parking lots for weekend distribution.

School and Faith-Based Meal Programs

Even if federal funding lapses, many public, charter, and independent schools — as well as mosques, churches, and temples — continue meal provision through local donations.
Where to look: Local districts’ nutrition offices, YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers.
How to help:

Teachers and staff can act as point-of-contact volunteers.
Organize a “Meals for Families” network among staff and families to prepare or deliver meals.

Share information via text or WhatsApp groups rather than assuming email reaches everyone.

Emergency Aid, Shelters, and Nonprofits with Food Access Components

Even non-food-focused nonprofits often have emergency food access.

Catholic Charities USA: catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/
The Salvation Army: salvationarmyusa.org
Meals on Wheels (for families with elders): mealsonwheelsamerica.org