Second Helpings Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that serves as a link between a network of food donors and distribution organizations working to reduce food waste and hunger in food-insecure communities. They aim to strike a balance between serving people efficiently and serving individuals or families that are harder to reach. With limited staff and resources, this process is complex but fills a gap that otherwise may not be met. Consequently, to find the right balance, they are creating feedback mechanisms to listen to the partner distribution network and the communities that they serve. As an organization, they are revisiting what equity means in the delivery of services to reduce food insecurity.

Second Helpings hosted a LabStorm at Feedback+Atlanta, which engaged attendees in real-time problem-solving and dialogue about honest feedback amid power dynamics. Using feedback as a catalyst for collaboration and process changes, discussions included incorporating constituent feedback in determining outcome measures for equity. The discussion emphasized:

  • Equitable distribution of food resources. 
  • Honest feedback amid power imbalance.
  • Using constituent feedback to catalyze collaboration.

As the discussion came to a close, presenters from Second Helpings Atlanta reflected on the key takeaways. They emphasized looking into more ways to bring groups of people together and hear the voices of those at the heart of the organization’s work. The network should expand beyond just food rescue and ask bigger questions to connect with others doing adjacent work. This will create the opportunity to brainstorm and be intentional about consistently checking in with those Second Helpings Atlanta serves.

Read the full article about reducing hunger and food waste by Fariha Raisa at FeedbackLabs.