The growing need to alleviate hunger leads to growing programs
The Franklin County Community Meals Program (FCCMP) has been a Venture Center tenant since 2015 and has served countless meals to Franklin County residents over those nine years as they work to alleviate hunger. We spoke to FCCMP’s new Executive Director, Valerie Hudson, about the challenges and joys of working to feed a growing population facing food insecurity.
What are some challenges you have faced since you started as Executive Director?
Rebuilding community connections in a post-COVID world has been the largest challenge. Before the pandemic, many local organizations and social clubs contributed to our daily operations at the pantry and meal site. That has slowed down a bit and we mostly have regular volunteer groups that have been coming for 20 years or individual volunteers. We are looking to bring those social clubs, faith-based groups, and local businesses back into the kitchen to contribute to the community nourishing community aspect of our organization.
What has given you joy?
Being with nature; plants, animals, and insects. It’s a reminder that there is life other than the human kind.
What is your vision for the future of the FCCMP?
An expansion and across the county for meal sites—we are going to be supporting a site in Shelburne Falls soon—and more direct community involvement by sponsoring events directly for participants and the community.
How did you end up leading the FCCMP?
I had been working primarily in school food service and direct support for individuals living with disabilities. I had originally applied to be a meal site coordinator as I was looking for part time work but was moved to apply for the ED position after my interview.
How did you become passionate about food access?
I originally started participating in food banks when I lived in Oakland, California. I started working at Oakland Based Urban Gardens teaching West Oakland youth about general gardening and healthy eating. This spawned the “community access” part that led to volunteering with the Berkeley Farmer’s Market and advocating for increased SNAP benefits for those participating in direct grower to consumer sales.
Any other news we should know about?
We have a program going on right now to help fight childhood hunger while school meal service programs are in transition.
To volunteer for the FCCMP (you should do it; it’s fun and rewarding!), visit their website.
