The Development of a Satellite Food Pantry Through Community-Based Participatory Action Research

Abstract

Food for a Long Life (FFLL) is a community- university-extension project that utilizes intergenerational strategies and a communitybased participatory action research approach to increase healthy food access, consumption, and education for preschoolers and older adults. As a Children, Youth, and Families at Risk sustainable community project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FFLL is within its fifth and final year working collaboratively at an intergenerational site in a midwestern United States community identified as being food insecure. During Project Years 2-4, FFLL engaged in iterative communication and relationship-building with stakeholders and a local food bank to identify and address community needs, resulting in the creation of a satellite food pantry. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Satellite served approximately 60 family members each month. FFLL strives for program sustainability beyond the grant-funding period by continuing community partnerships and training staff to facilitate the satellite food pantry operations.