A common misconception about Urban Recipe is that we are a food pantry. Similar to a pantry in many ways, we are proud to stretch that model of “free food for all” to focus also on depth, dignity, and sustained impact. What does that look like here in Atlanta?
First, let’s look at the ways we are similar to a food pantry:
- Free Food
- Free food is a staple of any food pantry. Families in need can walk home with food. Just like a typical food pantry, Urban Recipe sends families home with food every time they come to co-op. We provide fresh produce, frozen protein and other frozen foods, and shelf-stable items like milk, grains, canned vegetables and snacks.
- Available to anyone in need
- Like other food pantries, Urban Recipe serves families in need. We do not require any documentation or income status. People who show up and state they are in need of support are welcome. Families will continue to receive food as long as they participate in the program, whether that is only for a few weeks or years at a time.
If we are similar to a food pantry, what makes an Urban Recipe Food Co-op different?
- Consistent Support
- Though many food pantries have regular hours, Urban Recipe is unique because we keep a roster of our co-op members. Once they join the program, they will receive food every two weeks for as long as they need it. Families will walk home from co-op with about 50% of their necessary groceries.
- Emergency Access
- Urban Recipe does not provide emergency access the way many pantries do. In order to receive food, families must attend orientation and commit to joining a co-op. Families don’t need to wait in line for their food at a co-op. Because we know the members will be there, we will prepare food for each person to ensure everyone has enough. Though our Mobile Pantry offers emergency, day-of food options, our Food Co-ops require more preparation. If people need emergency free food services, there are many local food pantries that specialize in immediate support.
- Quantity and Variety
- Because we have a member list, we are able to more accurately order and prepare food for our families, ensuring there is enough to substantially feed everyone . We strive to provide enough food for our families to have a choice in what they take home. We recognize every person has different preferences, dietary needs, and mouths to feed, and we do our best to honor those differences. On average, families at Urban Recipe walk home with more than double the amount of food they would receive at a typical food pantry.
- Participation and Responsibility
- Every Urban Recipe co-op member participates in the food co-op. Just as people participate in food at the grocery store using their dollar, co-op members participate in food at a co-op with their time. Every person commits to volunteering alongside their other co-op members to help distribute the food amongst themselves. Co-op members show responsibility by showing up on time, serving one another through volunteering, and alerting leadership if they won’t be in attendance.
- Decision Making
- At a co-op, members have opportunities to make many decisions: what station they will volunteer at that week, what food they want to take home, how to communicate with their fellow members through disagreements, and more. Every decision – small or large – helps form the community into something that is truly unique and owned by the members.
- A Space of Community
- Urban Recipe co-ops meet every two weeks. That’s 26 times a year that members are spending time together – conversing, serving one another, sharing stories and life experiences. Co-ops become a safe space built on community , vulnerability, and trust. We repeatedly see co-op members forming friendships, camaraderie and relationships that extend beyond co-op meetings.
- Leadership Opportunities
- Urban Recipe Food Co-ops are led by a paid staff member alongside an elected Steering Committee made of 4 co-op members. These members are voluntarily elected to serve their peers, an opportunity for leadership development that a typical food pantry doesn’t offer. We are proud to watch our members grow in their leadership roles to serve their community well.
An Urban Recipe Food Co-op is similar to a food pantry, but it is also so much more. We are proud to continue to operate 11 free food co-ops in the Atlanta area, serving around 325 families every two weeks, and are working to add more co-ops and families to our roster in the coming year.
