Food Security Council
The Food Security Council is the advocacy arm of the Montana Food Bank Network's board of directors. The council serves to identify barriers to food security, gaps in services and the need for program development throughout the state. MFBN's Public Policy Department works to carry out much of the work identified by the Food Security Council. The primary objective of the Food Security Council is to achieve food security.
The council has representation from statewide advocacy groups, state offices (such as SNAP and Child Nutrition), congressional delegations and members of MFBN board and staff.
FOOD SECURITY COUNCIL MISSION:
- To identify the impact and effect of hunger in Montana,
- To educate the public and policy makers on the status of hunger in Montana, and the role they play in ending hunger.
- To collaborate with private, public and governmental organizations to implement realistic solutions to reducing hunger
- To pursue long term solutions at the local, state,regional, and federal policy levels and increase participation in food assistance programs.
What does Food Security Mean?
FOOD SECURITY: is the ability to access nutritionally adequate food for the family, in a consistent, sustainable and socially acceptable manner.
FOOD INSECURITY: is the inability to be food security in a consistent manner, and leads to poorer food choices as well as reduced food intake for adults.
HUNGER: is the most severe form of food insecurity, where there is not enough food for adults or children in the family.
FOOD SECURITY ALSO MEANS…
- Access to Public Food Programs
- Maximizing participation to public programs for those who are eligible
- Access to affordable, locally grown food
- Access to affordable nutrition education, meal planning , food budgeting
- Access to grocery stores with affordable, healthy choice of fruits and vegetables
- Information about all programs and services in each county and community