COVID drastically increasing food insecurity
Since the beginning of the global pandemic, we’ve seen unemployment rates that rival the Great Depression and the highest food prices in 50 years.
In fact, Feeding America estimates that 1 in every 6 American families will face hunger during COVID-19. 80% of food banks are now serving more people than they were one year ago; the highest usage levels seen since the 2008 recession.
Food bank client software critical to COVID response efforts
Collecting and managing data during a crisis is pivotal. It helps organizations understand who is being served, track and predict needs and drive efficiencies.
In addition, Link2Feed’s food bank client software allows non-profits to work in partnership with other organizations for community response and access funding sources targeted to emergency response.
COVID created unique challenges in data collection as it became increasingly difficult to complete intake and keep up with demand. On top of that, food banks and agencies faced closures, volunteer shortages and social distancing regulations that lead to a change from in-person distributions at agencies to a drive-thru and mobile format.
We recognized that a new way to manage data collection was needed and fast!
Enabling clients to self-enroll
A quick survey showed that over 80% of our partners were interested in moving to a client self-enrollment tool. Nine days later, CNCT was born!
CNCT, pronounced ‘connect’, enables clients to create online accounts with their household information and their needs directly from the safety of their home or while waiting in line. A fully mobile solution with features like multi-language support and an appointment booking tool, CNCT is easy to use for food banks and the people they serve.
CNCT solves data intake for increased demand
By allowing clients to sign up themselves, CNCT helps food banks adhere to social distancing protocols, and as a result, gather more data while also streamlining the food pick-up process.
The impact of this feature in our food bank client software has been seen throughout various food banks across Canada and the United States.
“As sites are seeing a 20-30% increase, it’s a great way for clients to be entered into L2F faster, rather than trying to figure out the social distancing required,” said the Maryland Food Bank.
The Daily Bread Foodbank reported that they had over 300 unique individuals added into their system within their first week of use, and nearly 16,000 since launch.
The Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico reports that, “since incorporating CNCT, we’ve decreased from 91% anonymous visits in our Direct Distribution, to an overall of 32% anonymous visits.”
Since April, 24 organizations have served a total of 54,000 individuals through Link2Feed CNCT, giving them access to critical data in a time of need.
CNCT has been vital in making sure communities have proper and safe access to food during COVID-19. With positive feedback from current users, we can’t wait to implement CNCT in more food banks across North America.
CNCT is now available to all networks and pantries. Contact your account manager to sign up for CNCT!