Health on Wheels Goals
Food Access
Increase access to food in Southside.
Our primary goal is to combat food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food for individuals and families who are experiencing hunger and lack of reliable food sources.
Objective 1a: Increase the number of individuals and families served: Set a target to reach a specific number of individuals and families with each mobile food pantry distribution, gradually increasing the reach over time.
Objective 1b: We strive to collaborate with social service agencies, schools, and healthcare providers to identify individuals and families who can benefit from our services and to offer additional support and resources.
01
Address Food Insecurity
We aim to extend our services to underserved communities, including rural areas, food deserts, and regions with limited access to traditional food banks, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Objective 2a: Expand service locations: Identify additional neighborhoods, community centers, and partner organizations where the mobile food pantry can operate and reach more people.
02
Reach Underserved Areas
Our goal is to remove barriers to food access by bringing the mobile food pantry directly to neighborhoods, community centers, and places where individuals and families can easily reach us.
Objective 3a: Expand service hours: Extending service hours to accommodate different schedules and reach more people.
03
Increase Food Accessibility
We strive to offer a diverse selection of fresh produce, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products, ensuring that individuals have access to well-rounded and nourishing meals.
Objective 4a: Enhance food variety and nutritional value: Continuously improve the quality and nutritional value of food offerings by sourcing a diverse range of fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products, ensuring a well-balanced and nourishing selection.
04
Provide Nutritious Food Options
Health Education and Promotion
Promote a healthier Southside.
Our primary goal is to combat food insecurity by providing access to nutritious food for individuals and families who are experiencing hunger and lack of reliable food sources.
Objective 5a: Provide nutrition education: Develop and implement educational programs, workshops, and resources that focus on nutrition, healthy eating habits, meal planning, and budget-friendly cooking strategies to empower individuals and families to make informed food choices.
Objective 5b: Foster Community Engagement: Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where community members can connect, engage, and support one another, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Objective 5c: Foster self-sufficiency: Collaborate with social service agencies, employment centers, and educational institutions to connect individuals and families with resources that can help them overcome food insecurity in the long term, such as job training, financial literacy, and supportive services.
05
Educate on Nutrition and Healthy Eating
We are committed to promoting sustainable food practices, including reducing food waste, encouraging composting and recycling, and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives throughout our operations.
Objective 6a: Provide education: Develop and implement educational programs, workshops, and resources that focus on sustainable food practices.
Objective 6b: Explore sustainable practices: Identify opportunities to reduce food waste, implement recycling and composting initiatives, and explore environmentally friendly transportation options to minimize the program's ecological footprint.
06
Support Sustainable Food Practices
We seek to establish strong partnerships with local farmers, businesses, and organizations to source fresh, locally grown produce, reduce food waste, and support the local economy.
Objective 7a: Strengthen community partnerships: Establish partnerships with local farmers, food suppliers, businesses, and community organizations to enhance food sourcing, increase donations, and expand collaborative efforts in addressing food insecurity.
Objective 7b: Conduct regular community needs assessments: Conduct surveys and engage in dialogue with community members to better understand their specific needs, gather feedback, and ensure that the mobile food pantry program remains responsive and relevant to the community it serves.
07
Collaborate with Local Partners
Policy and Advocacy
Support the foundations of a healthier Southside.
Our goal is to advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of food insecurity, promote equitable access to nutritious food, and support initiatives that build a more just and resilient food system.
Objective 8a: Collaborate with Government Agencies: We aim to collaborate with local, regional, and national government agencies to leverage resources, identify funding opportunities, and align our efforts with broader food security initiatives.
Objective 8b: Create and advocate for local and national policy that address the root causes of food insecurity.
Objective 8c: Engage in advocacy efforts to influence local, regional, and national policies that address the underlying causes of food insecurity, promote equitable access to nutritious food, and support funding for mobile food pantry programs.
08
Advocate for Food Justice
We aspire to grow our network of supporters, volunteers, and community partners to expand our reach, increase our capacity to serve, and make a greater impact in the fight against food insecurity.
Objective 9a: Enhance volunteer recruitment and engagement: Implement strategies to attract and retain dedicated volunteers who can support the operations of the mobile food pantry, including outreach, training, recognition, and creating a positive volunteer experience.
Objective 9b: Raise Awareness: We strive to raise awareness about food insecurity, its impact on individuals and communities, and the importance of supporting mobile food pantry programs through community outreach, media campaigns, and advocacy efforts.