RACHEL CURTIS SICM & SFSP SCHENECTADY INNER CITY MINISTRY AND THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM: A PARTNERSHIP MADE IN HEAVEN

NEED FOR SFSP IN SCHENECTADY In the City of Schenectady, we have a population of approximately 66,000 according to the 2010 census. In our poorest neighborhood within the city, 27,000 people are living below the poverty level.

NEED CONTINUED Over half of Schenectady’s youth are living below the poverty level. Over 80% qualify for free or reduced lunch. Superintendent of the Schenectady School District, Larry Spring, instituted the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Allows all children to receive free breakfast and lunch. This measure reduces the stigma associated with subsidized meals. The result has been a significant increase in attendance, among other benfits.

NEED CONTINUED The question remains, how do families and children get food in the summer? SICM started as a sponsor with one site 21 years ago because we saw too many hungry kids coming to our food pantry in the summer. Last year, we served 65,223 meals in 44 days at 36 sites.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM LAUNCHING AND EXPANDING MOBILE MEAL SERVICES We served 14,000 meals in this way alone in 2014, which was double from the year before. We were the first to launch in upstate New York We operate on a schedule just like the fixed sites, but shorter times. We reach more children because we stop at pockets in our community that simply cannot accommodate a fixed site: small city parks and apartment complexes, for example.

LESSONS CONTINUED This method is more cost-effective, more flexible, and requires less volunteer support. Pros and cons to shelf-stable items to the mobile model. Less chance of providing a summer experience involving enrichment activities and community eating. Less choices in food items can serve- more difficult to serve hot items For our program, in a small urban area, mobile delivery is a successful supplemental method!

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN MULTI- COUNTY/REGION-WIDE COORDINATING EFFORTS WITH UNITED WAY Being involved with United Way has opened the door for greater available resources. United Way grant gave subsidy for mobile expansion. United Way launched United Against Hunger Initiative. Sharing of ideas and concerns. Common media market- wider coverage- common Kick-Off Event. Joint outreach & promotion.

UNITED WAY CONTINUED NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara’s Assembly Update- a taped cable TV show. This helps legislators to get on board with program. Adds credibility Thank you, United Way of the Greater Capital Region!

COORDINATING SUMMER MEALS SITES/VOLUNTEERS WITHIN THE WIDER FAITH COMMUNITY SICM stands for Schenectady Inner City Ministry. We are the only summer lunch sponsor in the county of Schenectady. Our model is to have volunteer “teams” at as many sites as possible. This adds to the program by creating community support. As an ecumenical organization SICM has access to additional resources- dedicated people and financial support. Founded in 1967, SICM is an interfaith partnership of 50 congregations (representing 15 denominations) Churches provide vision for “Relating the resources of the Churches to the needs of the City.”

FAITH CONTINUED Many volunteer groups are congregations. This is helpful because many of these sites are self- run, the church provides the volunteers from the congregation to fully staff the site Help from the faith community is very practical and “hands-on.” Congregations also sponsor summer interns. Interns help staff site and provide enrichment activities at sites lacking such “Summer Lunch Plus.” SICM is not sectarian, therefore declaration of faith is not required, nor does religious instruction occur at the sites.

SICM SFSP TIPS FOR SUCCESS Our interns are typically 20 something college students Our site supervisors are typically community members with knowledge of the people they’re serving ( We initiated innovative fringe benefits- bus passes, meditation, talk therapy, T-Shirts, regular group sessions, plus pay above minimum wage- many want to return.) Many of our volunteer groups are churchgoers.

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERING EFFORTS We identify summer activities already occurring and partner with these efforts as much as possible. The stigma of attending a free summer lunch site is drastically reduced when children have an activity as well. We partner with the City Parks Dept., Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, GE, Hamilton Hill Arts Center, the County Youth Bureau, the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc., the County Library, and the Schenectady City School District, among others.

PLANS FOR EXPANSION & IMPROVEMENTS On our peak day in 2014 we served 2,000 children, just 25% of those estimated to be eligible. This year, we anticipate serving 80,000 meals due to our efforts of expansion We will have over 40 sites and operate for 49 days. Requesting healthier and more locally sourced components to our lunches. We are continually looking to create stronger partnerships. For the first time this year, SICM kept a summer lunch staff person on throughout the year. Echoed in FRAC conference! Summer should be planned all year, and it has!

EXPANSION PLANS CONTINUED We also explored adding after school meals. This is on hold, as we need to work with a separate state agency. Senator Gillibrand’s bill, not yet voted on, would streamline the transition for sponsors to serve summer and afterschool meals.

EXPANSION PLANS CONTINUED We have piloted a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in the Northside neighborhood of Schenectady at a Municipal Housing Complex. SFSP experience, as well as other key data, have shown us this is a food desert. We have partnered with a local farmer out of Schoharie to provide fresh produce to residents for twenty weeks, costing them $10 per week either in cash or EBT card (Food Stamps).

CONTACT INFORMATION Rachel Curtis Director, Summer Lunch Program, SICM Ext. 108 Or Reverend Phil Grigsby Executive Director, SICM Ext. 111

“Relating the Resources of the Churches to the Needs of the City.”