Your entry excites me. Its hard to believe the striking similarities between Spread the Dough and an organization called "Feeding Empty Bellies" that I started while at Sarah Lawrence College in 2003. I feel as though I know you and feel close to you just from reading your entry. The issue of excessive food waste in this country is ridiculous and I applaud your efforts to do something about it.
Great idea to focus on chain businesses. I really like that you have set up a system in which the individuals from the shelter pick up the food themselves. How could you spread this and potentially turn it into an employment program? Instead of relying on fundraisers and grants can you think of a way to create a business model for your organization so that you are actually getting paid to make these pick ups?
Have you considered working with the Universities and businesses to donate more than just bread? Bread is important but so are colorful foods with nutrients like fruits and vegetables. I know that liability is often a concern - have you heard of the Good Samaritan Food Act? It releases donors from liability as long as they are donating with good intentions: http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/gleaning/appc.htm.
I'm very interested in talking with you more about the work that you are doing. I also have a manual for my program that I'd be willing to share with you that might give you some ideas or allow you to better spread the program to other places.
Please let me know if you would like to talk further. dfrasz@ashoka.org
Comments
Hello Melina,
Your entry excites me. Its hard to believe the striking similarities between Spread the Dough and an organization called "Feeding Empty Bellies" that I started while at Sarah Lawrence College in 2003. I feel as though I know you and feel close to you just from reading your entry. The issue of excessive food waste in this country is ridiculous and I applaud your efforts to do something about it.
Great idea to focus on chain businesses. I really like that you have set up a system in which the individuals from the shelter pick up the food themselves. How could you spread this and potentially turn it into an employment program? Instead of relying on fundraisers and grants can you think of a way to create a business model for your organization so that you are actually getting paid to make these pick ups?
Have you considered working with the Universities and businesses to donate more than just bread? Bread is important but so are colorful foods with nutrients like fruits and vegetables. I know that liability is often a concern - have you heard of the Good Samaritan Food Act? It releases donors from liability as long as they are donating with good intentions: http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/gleaning/appc.htm.
I'm very interested in talking with you more about the work that you are doing. I also have a manual for my program that I'd be willing to share with you that might give you some ideas or allow you to better spread the program to other places.
Please let me know if you would like to talk further. dfrasz@ashoka.org
Keep up the great work.
Dana Frasz
Ashoka's Changemakers
http://www.yesmagazine.org/multimedia/yes-video/dana-frasz-youth-and-foo...
Post new comment