Community Nutrition & Food Security

Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 Americans, but the rate jumps to 1 in 3 for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. When you’re worried about your next meal, it’s impossible to focus on rebuilding your life, supporting your family, or advocating for justice.

ASAP Justice Network recognizes that food security is justice. Our comprehensive food program combines emergency assistance with long-term solutions, community education with policy advocacy.

Our food justice initiatives:

- Emergency food assistance - Immediate relief for families in crisis

- Community food banks - Partnering with local organizations for ongoing support

- Food drives - Community-organized collection and distribution

- Nutrition education - Teaching healthy, budget-conscious meal planning

- Community kitchens - Spaces for shared meals and cooking education

- Urban farming - Growing fresh produce in food desert communities

Real stories of impact:

Carmen’s husband was released after 8 years, but finding employment took months. Our food assistance program provided groceries while they rebuilt stability. Today, Carmen volunteers at our community food bank, paying forward the support they received.

$25 provides one week of groceries for a family of four

$100 funds month-long food assistance during employment search

$500 supports community kitchen operations for one month

$1,000 establishes small urban garden producing year-round fresh vegetables

The connection between food security and justice is clear:

- Proper nutrition improves job interview performance and employment retention

- Family food stability reduces children’s involvement in risky behaviors

- Community food programs build networks of mutual support

- Food justice addresses root causes of economic inequality

Every meal provided is an investment in someone’s comeback story. Every community garden planted is a seed of long-term food sovereignty. Every cooking class taught is a tool for lifelong health and

financial wellness.

Food is medicine. Food is dignity. Food is justice. Help us nourish our community’s fight for equity.

#FoodAsJustice #NourishingCommunity #ASAPFood