FARE’s approach and theory of change is grounded in equity and community participation and plays out in concrete programs and actions. By supporting and connecting others, FARE provides best practices and hands-on support to help existing initiatives thrive and achieve their desired results. FARE is also leading efforts to connect food access to other determinants of health, developing stronger connections with residents, and building their capacity to lead this vital work in their own neighborhoods while amplifying the power of the people to change the way things are done through Community Collectives. We use evidence-based strategies with innovative and tailored approaches to work with all types of partners, from small store owners and entrepreneurs to large nutrition programs. FARE is committed to not reinventing the wheel, but rather to identifying and supporting existing efforts and filling gaps as needed, typically from a behind-the-scenes support role. FARE helps partners with strategic planning for long-term stability and increased collective vision and impact.
We have partnered with Ohio State University Extension and the North Coast Farmers Market Collective (which formed as a result of a FARE mini-grant) for the successful relaunch of Produce Prescription and two other new nutrition incentive programs. FARE also hosted screenings of Cleveland Food Stories, a documentary which we helped to develop that lifts up many of the stakeholders doing food access work in Cleveland. FARE provides support and a platform for new and emerging food entrepreneurs within our corner store network and at events like Fresh Fest. For the REACH program, we help partners such as the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to further their goals, acting as a conduit and creating space for more people to participate from the communities in which they live and serve.