We believe that in order for people to move from poverty, they need long-term food security, increased financial wellbeing, and social support. People involved in a Food Security Group are expected to pay a nominal fee, participate in unloading the food truck, help split up and distribute food among group members, and most importantly, participate in fellowship and community with other group members.

Our philosophy is rooted in the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model out of Northwestern University’s Urban Research Center, specifically the work of Kretzmann and McKnight. Food Security for America believes in focusing on our members’ gifts, talents, capacities and creativity, not their deficits. Thus the members, and staff hired from within the community, run the Food Security Groups themselves, largely without outside volunteers.