Resources for Transformation:
Food Banks and Pantries

Who are these resources for?

I don’t typically like resource libraries. People working in antiracism and Black liberation often receive requests for links to articles, lists of books to read, and more. I find that for many people, receiving resources is enough to scratch the itch of doing something. In and of itself, education doesn’t lead to much. What matters is action.

When white folks ask for resources from BIPOC folks, it can sometimes feel extractive and exploitative. It’s an education version of “mining for resources.” The average person of color on the street is not anyone’s teacher. With that said, I believe that people who want to learn should have access to the materials they need. I don’t trust a simple online search to deliver results that aren’t skewed by people desperate to maintain the status quo.

What I ask of you is this: do something with the information you receive. Read it, think about it, let it challenge your assumptions. Recognize that the assumptions we carry often have shards of white supremacy embedded in them like glass. Share what you learn with a friend, colleague, or family member. Use what you learn to interrupt white supremacy culture in your organization, club, or coalition.

Whatever you do, don't stop working towards an antiracist and liberatory practice. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, no matter where you are on the journey. Find ways to rest. Find new ways to act.

How are the resources organized?

This is a set of resources and information that food bank staff and supporters can use to transform a hunger-relief organization. I grouped these resources according to five major categories that most food banks and pantries will find useful. There are many more out there!

I do a lot of reading, so this list is reading-heavy. It also includes some information you can watch or listen to, no matter your preference. I’ll update this list whenever I find a good resource to share.

General Resources

Things to Read

Things to Watch

Things to Listen to

Decision-Making

Things to Read

Things to Watch

Things to Listen to

Hiring / Personnel

Things to Read

Things to Watch

Food we Distribute

Things to Read

Things to Watch

Things to Listen to

Intake /Community Members

Things to Read

Things to Watch

Things to Listen to

Data Collection

Things to Read