Building trauma-informed, neighbor-centered food distributions
At Leah’s Pantry, we believe the charitable food system is about more than just calories, it’s about connection, dignity, and resilience. We partner with food banks, pantries, and community organizations to transform how food is distributed and experienced.
Ready to transform your food program? Contact us to discuss how our training and consultation can support your mission.
Check out our free webinar, From Pantry to Plate: Nutrition Literacy for Food Distributions
Trauma-Informed Customer Service Training
This training will help you more effectively and compassionately handle difficult situations that may arise during your distribution work.
In this training, participants will:
- Gain a basic understanding of the relationship between trauma and nourishment and how that affects food distribution work and/or food security work.
- Discuss ways to reframe and respond to difficult behaviors in a trauma-informed way.
- Learn customer service skills and best practices for engaging with community members, preventing and de-escalating conflict.
- Engage in personal and group reflection.
Training Time Commitment:
- One 120-minute live Zoom session (recording available)
- 60 minutes of self-paced work before the first Zoom
Testimonial:
“The information regarding conflict resolution, and steps to take to diffuse or de-escalate a situation were most useful to me. [Trauma-Informed Customer Service] was helpful to hear about specifically things like having and action plan, and the ways you can respond to neighbors who are in a heightened state more make sure they feel heard and seen and that they will be cared for.”
“[Trauma-Informed Customer Service] was very enlightening for me, as I was not aware that support services and policies based on a Trauma-Informed approach exist.”
Building Nourishing Pantries
Learn how to upgrade your food distribution to be more health-focused and neighbor-centered!
In this training, participants will:
- Discuss the science behind trauma and resilience.
- Review best practices for creating welcoming, dignified, trauma-informed food distributions.
- Learn easy ways to incorporate nutrition education and cultural and dietary accommodations into your space.
- Discuss customer service policies and conflict prevention best practices.
- Share how to easily beautify and elevate your physical distribution space.
- Gain skills and resources to encourage consumption of nutritious foods while respecting neighbor autonomy.
Training Time Commitment:
- Two 120-minute live Zoom sessions (recordings available)
- 90 minutes of self-paced work before the first Zoom
Testimonial:
“I loved this course! Thank you so much for providing such vital information to better support communities and individuals facing poverty and nutrition insecurity.” – Building Nourishing Pantries Participant
Nutrition Pantry Program (NPP) Implementer Training
Join a community of food pantry staff and volunteers dedicated to building healthier, more resilient food systems.
The Nutrition Pantry Program (NPP), developed by Leah’s Pantry, provides the tools and training you need to create a welcoming, trauma-informed environment that truly nourishes your neighbors.
In this training, participants will:
- Learn best practices in 7 key focus areas, including the pantry environment, neighbor feedback, community connections, nutrition education, inventory and waste reduction, cultural and dietary accommodations, and policies and procedures.
- Gain the authority to guide sites through the certification process, awarding Bronze, Silver, or Gold status to pantries that meet high standards of dignity and health.
- Gain exclusive access to our implementation library, assessment tools, and technical assistance guides.
- Join a national network. Connect with a community of trained professionals across the country to share best practices and success stories.
- Measure impact. Use our evaluation frameworks to show donors and stakeholders exactly how your network is evolving from “food provider” to “wellness hub.”
- Gain a deep understanding of the NPP program and the resources available to help your site thrive.
Post-Training Support: Graduates receive ongoing access to resources, webinars, and a national network of trained partners.
Training Time Commitment:
- Three 90-minute live Zoom sessions (recordings available)
- 4.5 hours of self-paced work
Wiser Dining
Learn how to transform your congregate meal site into a vibrant, joyful community hub where neighbors feel heard and valued
Wiser Dining is a program designed to ensure the dining experience is as joyful and dignified as it is nutritious.
In this training, participants will:
- Discuss the core principles of Wiser Dining (Guest Feedback, Cuisine, Nutrition Education, and Physical Movement, Site Environment, Social and Community Connections, Policies and Procedures) and how to put them into practice.
- Review best practices for creating a dignified, client-centered environment that older adults are eager to visit.
- See examples of modifications you can make to your site’s interior, community activities, and social atmosphere.
- Review actionable steps for conducting needs assessments and setting goals that truly reflect your community’s voice.
- 3 hour asynchronous training
Organizations we've partnered with
