The following training presentations are offered by Connecticut Foodshare and the Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions to provide network partners access to tools, information, and services that can help you better serve your neighbors in need.
Connecticut Foodshare
January 19: De-escalation Practices for Food Assistance Programs
Can you and your volunteers benefit from learning conflict resolution tools?
Connecticut Foodshare is partnering with Richard Fisher, former Director of the Office of Workforce Development Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Richard will share techniques on preventing and de-escalating difficult interactions, specifically for those who work in food distribution. You will learn how to turn down the heat on these tough situations.
Recording available here
The Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions
Offering Client Choice: Promoting Dignity in Food Pantries
February 10, 2pm – 3pm
Offering food pantry clients the ability to choose the food they take home is a better practice. When clients can choose their own food, it creates an atmosphere of respect and builds trust between clients, staff, and volunteers. We will explore different models of client choice, resources available to implement or expand choice, and ways to reframe common perceived barriers to operating a choice-based model with a strength-based approach.
Click to register
Connecticut Foodshare
Get the Most from 2-1-1 for Your agency and Clients
March 16, 1pm – 2pm
Learn how 2-1-1, a service of United Way of Connecticut, helps individuals find, understand, and access human service programs in our state. Connecticut Foodshare partner agencies are required to maintain a current listing of their services, location, and hours of operation. Cheryl Hardgrave, Resource Specialist, United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1, will help us understand how their referral system works and how to help the neighbors we serve to get the best information they can to access help.
Recording available here
The Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions
Creating a Welcoming and Dignified Culture: Focusing on Customer Service
March 10, 2pm – 3pm
Experiencing hunger can be humbling and asking for help is hard. Food pantries and meal programs can create an inviting culture that respects the dignity of each client, where clients feel respected. From the language we use to the color of the walls, every aspect of the guest experience affects how welcome guests feel and are opportunities to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. We will discuss various ways to provide a strength-based and trauma-informed environment that can reduce the stigma associated with receiving charitable food. Join us to learn more about the important values integral to a welcoming culture focused on customer service.
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Connecticut Foodshare
Understanding and Promoting WIC Programs to Your Clients/Resources from the Area Agency on Aging
April 6, 1PM-2PM
The Federal Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program offers parents of children through age 5 a range of resources to support healthy development through access to nutrition. Join members of the state’s WIC office for information to share with your clients. The Area Agency on Aging offers a range of programs to support seniors and their families. Both services offer help in ways that could benefit the neighbors you serve.
The Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions
Building a Strong Volunteer Team
May 12, 2022 – 2PM-3PM
Volunteers are a tremendous resource for many food pantries. This training will offer best practices for volunteer recruitment, screening, training and appreciation. It will also explore innovative ways to use volunteers to carry out SWAP, offer client choice and create a welcoming environment.
Click to Register
Connecticut Foodshare
Guide to Grant Writing
Coming in May