Access Review and Funding Process

Steps to create greater access for people with disabilities at California’s Food Banks and Emergency Food Distribution Sites:

Step 1: Download and complete one or more of the Access to Food access surveys.

Step 2: Review the survey answers to determine the level of accessibility of your facilities and/or programs.

Step 3: If change is needed, review possible solutions and decide which solution(s) work best for your organization. Below is a list of possible solutions to increase your organization’s level of accessibility for people with disabilities:

• Training or Technical Assistance: If you realize that training might be the solution, contact the Access to Food project to arrange a FREE training at your facility. Also, feel free to contact us if you have questions about accessibility.

   

• Quick Fix: You may realize that identified access barriers can be fixed quite easily. Quick fix examples:
  • Move furniture, boxes, or other “stuff” that has accumulated in hallways or other paths of travel.

     

  • Revise organizational brochures and other promotional materials to include a statement inviting people to make accommodation requests.

     

  • Improve policies and procedures to make them more inclusive of people with disabilities.  

     

• Larger Accessibility Project: If you identify areas of improvement that are larger than your current budget can accommodate, then you might consider applying to the Access to Food Fund. Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to contact us to discuss your proposed project.  

Access to Food administers a $200,000 accessibility fund. Known as the Access to Food Fund, it supports improving physical and programmatic access at California’s nonprofit food banks, food pantries and their local community partners. After completing a self-administered survey, these organizations can apply for funds to make their buildings and programs more accessible to the disability communities they serve.  

 

IMPORTANT

All Access to Food Fund applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Accessibility Fund guidelines, FAQs and to contact the Access to Food Project before applying for funding.