West Side Campaign Against Hunger

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1 Supermarket-Style Customer Cooperative What “Feeding the Whole Person” Means at WSCAH West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), now in its 30th year, is unique in its approach to hunger. Our goals are both fulfilling immediate needs with dignity and offering a pathway to self-sufficiency. WSCAH invented the customer cooperative approach to emergency food. WSCAH’s strength-based program treats our customers respectfully: they choose their own groceries supermarket-style from nutritious food on shelves rather than receiving pre-packaged supplies. WSCAH makes use of its emergency-food contact with its customers to connect them with long-term help. A Cooperative of Mutual Respect WSCAH functions as a customer cooperative, promoting mutual respect and dignity. We are open to all New Yorkers in need. The majority of our volunteers are customers who choose to give back by offering their time. In FY 08, customers worked a total of 16,382 hours. Four customer volunteers serve on the Board of Directors. Five of our current full-time staff are former customers. WSCAH also welcomes volunteers from the community and from neighboring schools and religious congregations. Volunteers help receive food deliveries, stock shelves, bag bread, break down boxes, assist customers, work checkout, and much more. The cooperative model engages customers in employmentrelated training and serves as an informal mental health support network for those who may battle depression or isolation at home. WSCAH convenes discussion around advocacy issues and working collectively to eradicate hunger and poverty. Nutritious food and the power to improve your life
Volunteer Marina Araujo In 2008, WSCAH provided 85,000 customers with enough food for 673,050 meals. West Side Campaign Against Hunger began in 1979. In 1993, WSCAH created the first customer-choice, supermarketstyle food pantry in the United States, becoming the model for other programs across the country and internationally. 1979 n Founded by the United Methodist Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, in cooperation with neighborhood churches and synagogues. 1993 n Reorganized as customer-cooperative supermarket. Customers shop for their food and help run the store. n Partnered with farm cooperatives, to make fresh fruits and vegetables available. 2000 n Began social service counseling and referral. n Initiated cooking and nutrition workshops. n Started health insurance counseling. n Initiated computer database program to improve counseling and referral services. 2001 n Launched WSCAH Wellness Workout, integrating exercise classes, chef training program, and nutrition education. 2003 n Developed strategic plan in partnership with McKinsey & Co. and Robin Hood Foundation. 2005 n Completed extensive renovation of pantry and program offices. 2007 n 2008 n Partnered with 20 other social service agencies for effective referrals. n Created extensive Resource and Referral Guide with more than 600 contacts. n Initiated English as a Second Language classes. Piloted on-site food stamp enrollment with the Human Resources Administration. A Tradition of Innovation
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West Side Campaign Against Hunger

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