Episode Details

What does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares how Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity through advocacy, systemic change, and statewide collaboration. Erin discusses Project Bread’s radical approach to ending hunger by addressing both immediate needs and permanent solutions, including the recent passage of free school meals for all K-12 students in Massachusetts. She explains the importance of involving people with lived experiences in the decision-making process to craft more effective and sustainable solutions.

Rob’s guest, Erin McAleer, highlights the work of the Make Hunger History Coalition, a statewide effort bringing together anti-hunger advocates, organizations, and individuals to create long-term solutions for food insecurity. Erin shares how Project Bread has grown over the past few years, scaling both their impact and programs during the pandemic. She emphasizes that scaling should not be the goal, but the result of a clear mission and effective strategies. Erin’s approach of combining direct service with advocacy and systems change has made a lasting impact in Massachusetts.

Erin’s story offers nonprofit leaders some valuable insights into creating lasting, systemic change, building coalitions, and engaging individuals with lived experience to drive the solutions for issues like food insecurity.

Mentioned:

Project Bread’s website

The School Meals Program

Follow Erin McAleer on LinkedIn

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