Why the Not Just A Food Program Is Evolving Only Its Outreach Support

At the Not Just A Food Program, our work has always been about more than handing out food. It is about health, wellness, dignity, safety, and long-term care.

As economic pressures continue to rise and donation support becomes more unpredictable, we are making a focused and thoughtful change to one specific part of our work — our street-level outreach meals.

This change applies only to outreach distribution.

As individuals move into weekly delivery and added support, we will continue offering a variety of sandwich options, just as we always have — and we are actively working to expand those options as support grows.

What Is Changing — and What Is Not

Outreach (Street-Level Support)

Until now, outreach meals included:

• A meat and cheese sandwich, or

• A peanut butter and jam sandwich

Moving forward, street-level outreach will focus on peanut butter and jam sandwiches as the primary option, with case-by-case accommodations for individuals with real food allergies.

This allows us to remain safe, consistent, and sustainable, while continuing to reach those who need immediate support.

Weekly Delivery & Added Support

For individuals receiving ongoing, weekly delivery and added support, our commitment is not only continuing — it is growing.

As people move beyond street outreach and into more stable, connected support:

• We will continue providing a variety of sandwich options

• We are actively working on increasing those options

• Food choices will reflect nutrition, comfort, and personal preference

• Dietary needs will be addressed individually and respectfully

Because variety is compassion.

Why Peanut Butter & Jam Is the Best Choice for Outreach

Street outreach presents very real challenges:

• No refrigeration

• Long carry times

• Cold exposure

• Unpredictable access to food

Peanut butter and jam sandwiches:

• Are safe without refrigeration

• Provide healthy fats and carbohydrates that help the body stay warm longer

• Deliver high-calorie density for sustained energy

• Reduce the risk of foodborne illness

• Are familiar, soft, and easy to eat

For outreach conditions, PB&J is the safest and most reliable option.

Why We Still Believe in Variety for Weekly Support

Variety is not about luxury. Variety is about dignity, mental wellness, and long-term health.

When someone moves into weekly delivery and added support:

• Food becomes part of routine and recovery

• Choice supports emotional well-being

• Different nutrients support overall health

• Familiar foods help people feel seen and respected

This is why variety remains essential in ongoing support.

Supporting Real Food Allergies — Thoughtfully and Respectfully

We recognize that real food allergies exist, and we take them seriously.

For outreach:

• Allergy needs are addressed case by case

• This ensures safety without unnecessary waste

For weekly support:

• Dietary needs are addressed individually and consistently

This balanced approach allows us to remain inclusive and sustainable.

Reducing Waste, Stretching Support, Increasing Impact

By focusing outreach on a clear, defined food option, we can:

• Reduce food waste

• Reduce unusable donations

• Reduce volunteer burnout

• Stretch every dollar further

• Support more people, more consistently

Focused outreach creates greater impact — not less compassion.

New Street-Level Support: Free Coffee/Tea Chat For All

Health, Wellness, Truth, and Real Options for the Community

As part of our evolving street-level efforts, we are launching a Free Coffee/Tea Chat For All — an open community conversation available to everyone, with no requirements, no sign-ups, and no pressure.

This space is about:

• Health and wellness — physical, mental, and emotional

• Truth — honest conversations about real challenges people face

• Real options — practical paths forward, not empty promises

• Not Just A Food Program — learn more about volunteering, future efforts

These gatherings are not just for those experiencing homelessness. They are for anyone seeking:

• Connection

• Information

• Understanding

• A starting point toward healthier, more stable living

Education, Practical Skills & Pathways to Added Support

Alongside food and conversation, future street-level outreach will include practical educational opportunities, such as:

• How to use a tarp to create a tarp tent that reduces wind and rain exposure

• How to make a proper bedroll, pack it efficiently, and keep belongings dry and easy to carry

Participation in education leads to:

• Knowledge first

• Then access to supplies

• Then additional layers of ongoing support

Each step is voluntary and built on real engagement and real desire to improve health and wellness — ensuring volunteer time and donations are used wisely and respectfully.

This Is About Doing Better — Not Less

This is not a reduction in care. It is a refinement grounded in lived reality.

• Outreach requires safety, warmth, and reliability

• Weekly support requires variety, dignity, and choice

• Community wellness requires truth, education, and real options

By clearly separating these needs, we strengthen every part of the program.

Moving Forward With Care and Understanding

The Not Just A Food Program continues to evolve because people’s needs evolve.

Every decision we make is guided by one simple truth:

Health and wellness for all means meeting people where they are — with support that truly helps them move forward.

💙 Because real support is not just about food. 💙 It is about safety, dignity, education, choice, and compassion — for everyone.