Shame should never be the reason a family goes hungry.
Once we understand that anyone can lose their job, get sick, or face a disaster, we see that hunger can happen anywhere. The Food Dignity® Movement challenges the judgments that hinder access to healthy food. And it builds more vibrant communities where people are met with compassion and respect, no matter who they are.
WHO WE ARE
Food Dignity® is a 501c3 organization addressing local and regional agriculture acceleration and food security through economic nutrition sustainability. The aim is to support the development of a robust regional food supply chain offering dignified access to nutritious food through collaboration, education, research, and outreach. Food Dignity® focuses on supporting our partners' goals and achieving results while removing stigma and prioritizing access to a steady supply of nutrient-rich food for everyone.
OUR VISION
By contributing to a nourished, just, and interconnected society that reflects our common humanity, we create resilient local food systems that support our small farmers.
OUR MISSION
Food Dignity® creates local and regional agriculture acceleration through economic nutrition sustainability. Our aim is to support the development of a robust regional food supply chain offering dignified access to nutritious food through collaboration, education, research, and outreach. We focus on supporting our partners' goals and achieving results while removing stigma and prioritizing access to a steady supply of nutrient-rich food for everyone.
OUR IMPACT
A fifth-generation farmer managed to stay open year-round for the second consecutive year—something that hadn’t happened in 60 years. A first-generation female farmer planted fruit and nut trees thanks to her partnership with Food Dignity. And in 2023, another farm avoided closure and retained all of its employees because of the investments of Food Dignity.
Must see video
The Hidden Hunger Manifesto
WE BELIEVE
everyone should have access to nourishing foods to support a dignified and thriving life.
WE BELIEVE
access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right—and must be a top priority for the well-being and resiliency of individuals, communities, and the future.
WE BELIEVE
that food insecurity challenges act as barriers to human progress—and that they can be overcome if we change the way we value people. Our society should be built on the idea that everyone must have the resources they need to fully participate and thrive.
WE BELIEVE
that by systematically addressing food insecurity, we join the fight against poverty, racism, sexism, classism, and other inequalities.
WE BELIEVE
that, when it comes to hunger, there could be more than enough food if we wanted that to happen. By investing into our local agriculture economy we will stamp hunger.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Our non-profit does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff members, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Take the Hidden Hunger Pledge
Taking this Pledge–and putting the Food Dignity® Badge on your website–demonstrates that you care about hidden hunger.
You're making a commitment to impact the problem.
Why the Food Dignity® Movement?
Educate Non-Profits
We equip them to understand, identify, and respond to food insecurity with dignity, creativity, and collaboration.
Strengthen Local Food Systems
By creating a resilient agriculture food system we address deeper societal issues, approaching them with greater humanity.
Benefit Community-led Organizations
Access to local and nutritious food helps our community thrive. This translates to a healthier population and a robust food system.
Hear from our Community Partner
Sarah Helcoski,
New Roots Recover and Support Centers
Our organization works with the Food Dignity® Movement to fight food insecurity among marginalized populations, with a focus on individuals and families impacted by Substance Use Disorders. The creation of a more resilient food system infrastructure ensures that vulnerable populations have access to nourishing food at our Recovery Support Centers in Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Tamaqua. Additionally, our staff is able to bridge the gap for individuals and families who lack the resources to access food pantries.
The partnership with Food Dignity® has not only diversified the food available in our pantries, but it has given us access to locally sourced fresh food, grown in season, and even picked fresh sometimes the morning of our food distribution days. This has increased the shelf life of the produce we provide to our members. The addition of the nutrient dense foods has created a positive impact on the health incomes of the individuals and families we serve.
About the
FOOD DIGNITY® TEAM
Clancy Cash Harrison MS, RDN, FAND
Founder of the Food Dignity® Movement
Hailed as a “heavy hitter in the fight against hunger” by Today’s Dietitian Magazine, Clancy Harrison is a leading authority in nutrition security. As the founder of the Food Dignity® Movement, author, TEDx speaker, and podcast host, Clancy challenges the way nutrition security is approached.
Clancy is a member of the Tufts Innovation Platform, Ambassador of the National Dairy Council, member of the Food Lab at Google, and a past president of a large food pantry where her team has served over five million meals.
Listen to Clancy weekly on the Food Dignity® Podcast or find her personal site at https://www.clancyharrison.com.
Amanda Gordineer MS, RDN
Director of Operations
Amanda is a registered dietitian dedicated to promoting positive change within our food system. Drawing from her background as the former Nutrition Program Manager for Pennsylvania’s Northeast Regional Food Bank, Amanda provided nutrition education in underserved communities through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) program. She also served as a Certified Lifestyle Change Coach for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention's National Diabetes Prevention Program, where she guided individuals in adopting healthier lifestyles.
Amanda's leadership shines in her current role at Food Dignity®, where she oversees strategic initiatives to promote food empowerment, bolster equitable food access, and foster community engagement. Her experience in program management and partnership building has translated into tangible successes, from innovative regional food system models to impactful community collaborations.
Amanda completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Sustainability Leadership, Master of Professional Studies in Nutritional Sciences, and Dietetic Internship at Penn State University. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with her family and friends.
Rebecca Garofano MS, RDN
Consultant, Illustration Specialist & Institute Lead
With a professional background in nonprofits focused on environmental health and agroecology, Rebecca currently works as the School Dietitian for the Syracuse City School District, where her primary responsibilities include meal accommodations, nutrition security, and recipe production. She is passionate about food insecurity and health systems that are rooted in relationships and collaboration. Rebecca loves drawing for Food Dignity in the way that it allows her to listen, reflect, and learn more from people with work experience and lived experience across the emergency food system.
Rebecca started drawing (publishing her work at Instagram.com/veggiedoodlesoup) to process things she was learning and connect with and learn from public health and nutrition professionals that she admires.
Allison Kannam MS
Consultant and Evaluation Specialist
Allison Kannam is the Food Dignity Movement’s Evaluation Specialist. She developed a passion for evaluation research and quality improvement during her time working in the Research & Evaluation (R&E) Group at the Public Health Management Corporation. At the R&E Group, she conducted evaluations of public health programs related to nutrition education, housing, and tobacco control and cessation. She has also published independent research on families’ perceived benefits and barriers to participation in free summer meal programs.
Allison is thrilled to combine her interests in food insecurity and evaluation to support the Food Dignity Movement’s important mission.
Liz Gillen, MPS, RDN, LDN
Nutrition Coordinator
As a Nutrition Coordinator and Registered Dietitian at the Food Dignity® Movement, Liz expands relationships and opportunities with our organizational partners. She also helps to connect the organization with grant funding opportunities and advocates for systems and programs that promote food justice. Liz's passion for promoting food justice comes from her belief that access to healthy and nutritious food is a basic human right. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make informed choices about their diet, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
Tope (Temitope) Olotu
Dietetic Intern
Tope (Temitope) Olotu has over 15 years of project management experience in various sectors, including community health, youth development, government, and technology. With a strong academic foundation in food science, technology management, project management, and health promotion, Tope is exploring how her diverse expertise could help address global challenges in nutrition and food security. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition with a Registered Dietitian focus at the University of New England, she is also gaining hands-on experience through her community student experiential learning rotation with the Food Dignity Movement.
As a committed community advocate, Tope uses her cross-sector knowledge to work with others in designing and implementing impactful solutions through education, advocacy, and collaboration. She is the co-founder of Tiraka.org, a nonprofit organization striving to address poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in North America, the UK, and Africa. She also founded AspireHub.org, a faith-based nonprofit that inspires young leaders in K-12
George Bowman
Food Dignity Fellow
Prior to being with the Food Dignity® Movement, George volunteered his time assisting Clancy, our founder, run a large food pantry in Kingston, Pennsylvania. With the creation of this non-profit, came growth. George's skillset was necessary. He now organizes food programming, manages waste, distributes food, and more at various Northeastern Pennsylvania locations. George knows first-hand what food insecurity looks and feels like. That's why he makes time to give back.
Brynn Gilbert
AmeriCorps National Health Corps Member
Brynn is a recent graduate from Wilkes University with a BA in Psychology. She joins the Food Dignity Movement from Berwick, Pennsylvania, and is eager to contribute to improving community health. As an AmeriCorps National Health Corps member working to become a Community Health Worker, she is passionate about community access to care and resources. She is dedicated to serving the NEPA community in and around Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This will be Brynn's second service term with Food Dignity, and she is looking forward to another year of engaging with the local community.
Let’s Collaborate!
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