Healthy Food Access Resources

HFA Home Page  //  Project Background  //  Healthy Food Access Programs

Below are resources we’ve put together to help food co-ops plan and implement successful Healthy Food Access programs to make healthy food and co-op membership more affordable and accessible for low-income community members.

Food Co-ops & Healthy Food Access Planning Resources:


Planning Timeline

Food For All Structure Document

  • Use this Food For All Structure based on best practices from NFCA food co-ops with FFA, and on conversations with the USDA and Community Partner Agencies to plan/update a FFA program at your co-op. Download here: NFCA FFA Structure Doc

Community Partner Verification Guidelines & Letter 

  • Use these guidelines for how to set up healthy and productive relationships with community partners who are working on healthy food access (e.g. food shelf, Homeless shelter, Community Action Agency, Meal site, etc.).  Community Partner Verification Guidelines
  • Use this sample Community Partner verification letter to to give to Community Partners to cusomize and use to as part of the Food For All eligibility and verification process.  Some co-ops allow FFA applicants to demonstrate eligibility by bringing a letter from a community partner agency verifying that the member is in need of assistance affording food: Sample Community Partner Letter

Toolbox

Checklist: Planning Food For All

Promotional Materials

Sample Brochures & Marketing Materials

Audit/Program Evaluation forms

  • Want to evaluate and improve the healthy food access program at your co-op?  We have in-store and program coordinator-level audit forms to help you evaluate and improve your accessibility programs.  Email us for audit forms and instructions: bonnie@nfca.coop

Framework: Elements to include in your HFA program

Articles & Press

Membership Accessibility Programs

Case Studies: Profiles of Healthy Food Access Programs at Neighboring Food Co-ops

Presentations

“A Place at the Table” Screenings at Neighboring Food Co-ops

Project Updates

Note: These documents, especially the Toolbox, are evolving documents. As we continue to learn how to maximize the success of these programs, we will continue developing these resources. To receive updates on the Food Co-ops and Healthy Food Access project, please e-mail: healthyfoodaccess@coopfund.coop. Please indicate your affiliation and involvement in the healthy food access and/or food co-op movements.