This coalition was initially formed:
as a grassroots initiative responding to a locally identified need
in response to a funding requirement or opportunity
in response to an agency request

Mission/Purpose
empowers people to eradicate hunger and inadequate nutrition in Pierce County through service, education, communication and coordination

Description
Members interact primarily for the purpose of exchanging information and communication.

Organizations/Groups Represented
Aging Agencies
CAP agencies
Food pantries
Head Start
Human services
Individual community members
Other (please specify)
Other school staff (teachers
administrators
etc.)
Public health/WIC staff
Religious organizations
UW-Extension Veterans office

Primary Leadership
Provided by another partner - paid contracted coordinator

Extension's Leadership Role
Active member; no leadership responsibility

Strategies/Projects/Activities of the Coalition
assessing/measuring the extent of hunger/food insecurity
conducting outreach to connect potential participants to federal nutrition assistance programs (school meals, food stamps)
creating and distributing a resource directory (directing low income residents to sources of assistance)
improving community capacity to address hunger/food insecurity (* primary project)
networking a variety of organizations/individuals working in the area of hunger prevention
networking emergency food providers in the county
organizing food drives to supply emergency food providers
promoting/coordinating food collection and distribution other than food drives (through Hunt for the Hungry, Plant a Row for the Hungry, gleaning projects, etc)
promoting/coordinating the Senior or WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
raising awareness of hunger and food insecurity

Funding
This coalition has funding for general operations.

Internal Planning
This coalition has participated in planning and organizational (internal) development activities (such as strategic planning, creating a mission statement, training of members).

Evaluation
This group has not evaluated its functioning.
This group has not evaluated its strategies/projects/activities.

Success Story
Annually distribute about 4 thousand pounds of venison to low income families in the county along with educational materials about preparation and food safety

Comments
Having a paid coordinator has been instrumental in helping our coalition be viable. Individual members are committed to the cause, but don't have sufficient time or resources to provide the leadership needed.