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GRASP Program

GRASP Program Overview

Click here for a summary of GRASP-funded projects 

The GRASP Program is not currently expanding. but we have listed resources below for those doing anti-hunger work in their communities:

Toolkits

GRASP Counties - Food Security Assessment Results

Community Action
     Montana Toolkit for Action
     The Citizen's Handbook
     The Community Toolbox
     NORC Blueprint: A Guide to Community Action
     Workplan Template
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Nutrition Education
     MSU Extension Nutrition Education Programs
     Eat Right Montana Newsletter Archive
     Nutrition Education Links
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Expanding School Breakfast
     Office of Public Instruction - School Breakfast Program (coming soon)
     Guide to Expanding School Breakfast
     Expanding School Breakfast Flyer
     Expanding School Breakfast Success Stories
     "Discover School Breakfast" Toolkit (USDA)
     Guide to In-Classroom Breakfast (NFSMI)
     School Breakfast Outreach Center (FRAC)
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Community and School Gardens
     Building Community Gardens in Montana
     Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO)
     School Garden Wizard
     Kids Gardening
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HOW WAS GRASP CREATED?

Over 300,000 Montanans are considered at risk of food insecurity. This means their income is low enough that an unexpected expense or emergency could easily leave them without enough money for adequate nutrition.
 
At Governor Schweitzer’s 2007 Food and Agriculture Summit, Montana made improving our food system and our access to healthy food a priority.  A portion of the goals established at the Summit involve reducing hunger and improving access to healthy food for all Montanans.
 
As a result, the Montana Food Bank Network’s Food Security Council created a program aimed at meeting these anti-hunger goals.  The program is titled GRASP: Growing Resources And Sustaining People.
 

MISSION OF THE GRASP PROGRAM: GRASP aims to reduce hunger and food insecurity in Montana through county-level initiative by increasing the ability of all Montanans to consistently access nutritious food either independently, through local resources or through the assistance of state or federal nutrition programs without having to regularly access emergency food services. 

HOW DOES GRASP WORK?
GRASP takes a comprehensive approach to reducing hunger by involving residents and service providers on a county level to learn about existing community strengths, identify gaps, and understand how to best streamline or create programs, services and expertise.

As hunger impacts the whole community, the GRASP program works to find solutions to hunger built from the community’s strengths, involving community members.
 

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For more information on GRASP, please contact:

Kate Bradford Devino
Chief Policy Officer 
721-3825 Ext. 231
kdevino@mfbn.org