Food Access and Security Initiative Strengthens Collaboration and Capacity Among Local Partners
In October 2023, CCF announced a five-year strategic plan centered on economic mobility and social cohesion, aiming to create a more vibrant, just, and equitable Cambridge for all. Building upon COVID era infrastructure investments, the cornerstone of the plan's first year was our Food Access and Security Initiative, a combined $1.9 million multi-year investment designed to strengthen Cambridge's emergency food system through partnership and collective action. After one year, the initiative has already shown remarkable progress in strengthening Cambridge's food security system. "CCF is bringing food security partners together to create solutions that address both immediate needs and systemic challenges," said CCF President Geeta Pradhan. "This initiative exemplifies our approach to community change—framing systemic problems differently, investing in capacity building, and partnering with organizations to create new creative solutions." "This year we made fantastic strides toward creating solid ground for food security," says Christina Turner, CCF's vice president for programs and grantmaking. "We're supporting our partners as they move from being emergency response organizations to becoming vital hubs of economic security for families." Food insecurity affects Cantabrigians across all demographics but disproportionately impacts people of color, families with children, seniors, and adults with disabilities. According to a
