SWIM's neighbor-centered approach
People are at the center of what we do.
People are at the center of what we do.
Our framework is neighbor-centered, meaning we look to understand and honor our neighbor's needs and assets when identifying how our collaborative efforts can better serve our neighbors who are food insecure.It puts people at the heart of every policy, partnership, and plan we make.
Our framework is neighbor-centered, meaning we look to understand and honor our neighbor's needs and assets when identifying how our collaborative efforts can better serve our neighbors who are food insecure.It puts people at the heart of every policy, partnership, and plan we make.
What does it mean to honor our neighbors as the focus of our work?
What does it mean to honor our neighbors as the focus of our work?
We start by focusing our work on the diverse wants and needs of our neighbors to ensure the person facing hunger is at the center of the design.
We start by focusing our work on the diverse wants and needs of our neighbors to ensure the person facing hunger is at the center of the design.
Through a neighbor centered approach we will...
Through a neighbor centered approach we will...
Move from thinking of the person facing hunger as only a “receiver” to thinking of the assets that person exhibits to change their situation or help others.
Move from thinking of the person facing hunger as only a “receiver” to thinking of the assets that person exhibits to change their situation or help others.
Move from centering the conversation around your organization to starting every conversation, plan, and message with the person who we’re helping as the focus.
Move from centering the conversation around your organization to starting every conversation, plan, and message with the person who we’re helping as the focus.
“More than being client-centric, we have to work alongside the individuals facing hunger to provide more than charity. Together, in solidarity, we must trust they also have great solutions in how to solve this problem.”
–Agency director from an Advisory Council
Examples and Tools
Examples and Tools
Through an activity we call Cover Story, Northern Illinois Food Bank started their agency cohort by looking at the different barriers various populations face. Individually, agencies addressed which of their current practices match and mismatch the needs of populations they see most often at their organization.
Through an activity we call Cover Story, Northern Illinois Food Bank started their agency cohort by looking at the different barriers various populations face. Individually, agencies addressed which of their current practices match and mismatch the needs of populations they see most often at their organization.
Looking to address the disparities of access for neighbors? Explore the neighbor centered practices.