Changes at "Strengthening Mutual Aid and Community Food Infrastructure"

• +Strengthening Mutual Aid and Community Food Infrastructure

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  Background and context (including, if applicable, where this idea came from):
  This proposal was generated in our first Food Access Working Group in February 2026.

  Proposal (including what specifically the money would be spent on):
  Funding mutual aid efforts, food justice organizations, and government-run soup kitchens and food pantries is essential to addressing hunger across the city. These food resources must be culturally appropriate to the communities they serve and mindful of dietary needs such as allergies and gluten-free options. We need more well-staffed food access points: pantries, community fridges, and hot-meal programs, especially in neighborhoods without affordable grocery stores, and we must stop relying solely on private or corporate food retailers to feed our communities. By investing in partnerships with local restaurants and bakeries to redistribute surplus food, expanding food access in schools and community centers beyond school hours, and prioritizing funding for organizations already embedded in the community, we can increase food variety, nutrition, and dignity while ensuring no family or young person goes without a meal.

  Proposal cost:
  type your answer here

  City Department that would implement it (if known):
  type your answer here

  People’s Budget values (for reference):
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• Self-determination: We know what our communities need and we have the right to decide for ourselves.

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• Transparency: We move with honesty and openness so everyone can see how decisions are made.

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• Care: We keep each other safe through care / by meeting needs, not punishment.

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• Solidarity: We show up for each other. None of us are free unless all of us are free!

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• Community Wisdom: The people most affected by decisions should lead.

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• Well-being: We deserve more than survival. Everyone should have what they need to live abundant, joyful lives.

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Reminder: Residents will be asked to consider how proposals align with these values when you vote at the assembly on March 14 and to vote for proposals that align with the values.

How does this proposal align with the People’s Budget values?
type your answer here