THEORY OF JUSTICE OF COMMUNITY SERVINGS

Community Servings is an organization that resembles a model of the productive theory of justice. The productive theory of justice includes doing the work of providing goods and services to the community. Community Servings mirrors this definition of productive theory of justice by the daily functions of the organization. Community Servings does the work to create medically tailored free meals to those who suffer from chronic illnesses and other populations as well. Community Servings does the work of meal production by employing licensed nutritionists and cooks who create meals that are suitable for those who suffer from distinct illnesses. While also providing medically tailored meals, Community Servings also includes a delivery service for those in need. Community Servings serves the greater Boston area while also providing for the South Shore as far as Taunton, Massachusetts.

What are the possibilities for alliances– both strategic and tactical (particularly between progressive and radical political approaches)? What are the challenges to alliance and systemic change?

Community Servings has partnered with many businesses and agricultural companies such as Boston Area Gleaners, Community Harvest Project, Daily Table, Land's Sake Farm, Lovin' Spoonfuls, Plainville Farm, The Farm School, and The Food Project. As Community Servings has been enriching initiatives to enhance its approach to providing nutritional care to individuals with serious or chronic illnesses by increasing access to fresh produce and other local foods, it is important that they continue to work with these companies. As a result, they have partnered with many local farms, vendors, and food rescue organizations, and have received many food grants as a result. Community Servings' website records that they receive approximately 50,000 pounds of donated produce each year. This allows them to provide their clients with delicious meals made with local produce and reduce food waste. One strategic approach that could be implemented is if Community Servings and its partner farms can allow customers to pick and receive donations of both vegetables and fruits. In addition, neighbors of Community Servings could do weekly fishing trips at the Gloucester Fisherman's Association and Cape Ann Fresh Catch. Additional fish and shares that are not picked are generously donated to help Community Servings have enough produce for their customers.

At the same time, Community Servings also faces challenges, such as the donation of funds. Because there is no government funding, Community Servings has not only partnered with many banks and charities, but has also created different donation methods and programs. Most directly, Community Servings' Chief Development Officer can be contacted directly when someone wants to make operational support or provide grants for special projects, underwrite events, or donate in-kind goods. Community Servings also offers two different donation programs, “Monthly Meal Maker” and “The Chef’s Table.” Donors can choose to join a special giving group to make a regular monthly donation or become a member of Community Servings’ “The Chef's Table” with a donation of $1200 or more per year.