Innovation Prototypes
In 2023, MAHN launched our first round of Innovation Prototypes. These prototypes were designed by 9 member pantries and intended to test creative ideas to improve service for guests. Our first round was a fantastic success. These prototypes reached hundreds of Montco residents in need and provided valuable lessons for the future. Our next round of prototypes—slated to begin in 2025—will focus on both scaling successful prototypes and launching a new slate of projects.
Here are some highlights from our first round of prototypes:
SimpleTexting - Community Led Food Security (Martha’s Choice Marketplace)Martha’s Choice Marketplace—the most visited pantry in Montgomery County—scaled up its use of SimpleTexting (a web-based texting service) to better communicate with guests. This service now allows Martha’s Choice Marketplace to reach approximately 5,000 guests per month with updates about deliveries and special programs. Guests can also write back! Guests have sent positive wishes, messages of gratitude, questions about food and concerns about safety protocols.
|
Empowerment through Mobile Outreach & Social Services (Norristown Hospitality Center)The Norristown Hospitality Center partnered with Ian’s Boots to conduct a mobile outreach program for those experiencing homelessness. The event reached 42 individuals living in an encampment near NHC and provided both basic necessities (nutritious food, footwear, toiletries) and social services (case management, rehabilitation referrals, mental health support). Program participants provided valuable feedback to be incorporated in future outreach programs.
|
Growing with Neighbors: NHN Garden and Community Cookbook (Neighbors Helping Neighbors on the Main Line)Neighbors Helping Neighbors on the Main Line used Innovation Prototype funding to help create a community garden to provide fresh produce. This program served 75 individuals and NHN is now planning on creating a community cookbook to complement the garden.
Muneera Walker (NHN Founder & Director): “The MAHN Innovation Grant allowed us to fulfill our dream of providing truly fresh vegetables to any neighbor in need. The community camaraderie was truly a joy to experience!” |
Food Ordering and Delivery Program for College Students (Resilient Students Network)The Resilient Students Network created a pilot program to test two food distribution methods designed to reach students at Thomas Jefferson University Nursing School’s Dixon campus. These methods included a market-style setup on campus and an ordering system that would deliver items directly to campus. This pilot provided valuable insight into how pantries can serve a population that is often difficult to reach.
|
Testing Methods of Providing Cooking Demonstrations and Fresh Produce to Improve Consumption (Pottstown Area Food Collaborative)The Pottstown Area Food Collaborative project was designed to test whether cooking demonstrations and tasting events would increase community engagement and produce consumption. These events were held at 3 different sites and participant feedback was collected throughout the project. 86 guests attended these events and a majority said that they were likely to try making the demonstration recipe at home.
|
Share, Learn and Thrive (Bean Bag Food Program)This prototype was designed to help the Bean Bag Food Program connect with guests through programming at the organization’s bi-monthly family grocery and breakfast events. These programs were designed to share information so that families and children can learn about local resources and positive skills and thrive in life. Multiple families connected with the Keystone Opportunity Center through this programming and the prototype helped BBFP build trust with their guests.
|
The Center (Ardmore Food Pantry)Ardmore Food Pantry used funding to increase wraparound services offered at the pantry and to begin providing art classes as well. Partnering with Main Line Art Center and Hello Arts, this pilot was designed to celebrate guests as people who matter.
According to one guest, “The arts program has been very inspiring to me. I’ve never thought of myself as having any artistic ability. I always think what others have created in the workshops is better than what I do, but I’ve learned to go beyond my inhibitions and try new things. I’ve made new friendships through this program. They have created a very safe place for us to explore new things and enjoy new people.” |
Nutrition Education (ICNA Relief)This pilot was designed to empower guests at ICNA Relief to make better food choices. ICNA Relief reached hundreds of families with information about healthy choices/recipes through handouts and social media posts. A dietician with Montgomery County also conducted a survey to better understand the needs of pantry guests.
Online Ordering System (Narberth Community Food Bank)Narberth Community Food Bank used prototype funding to purchase computers and software to develop an online ordering system for guests. This switch to an online ordering system allowed NCFB to collect more data about guest preferences and inventory. Additionally, the system allowed NCFB to communicate with non-native English speaking guests in their preferred language.
|
