Donors get pitched a lot, and food-related funding can be a complicated space. Our food compass aims to clarify the space for reducing hunger and food insecurity. It identifies the four primary social impact areas where donors seek change: Health & Hunger; Environment; Vibrant Communities; and Rights & Equity.

Within each impact area, this document offers:

• a rationale for donor investment;
• one case example to illustrate how philanthropic funds can produce change; and
• additional promising approaches, as well as examples of organizations implementing those approaches.

In developing this guide, we found what many donors know: some of the most promising approaches and organizations work across social impact areas. Many achieve multiple impacts by addressing issues throughout the U.S. food system, a system that spans production, processing, packaging, distribution, retail, consumption, and waste disposal. Throughout the guide, we note where an approach intentionally targets multiple impacts at once. These integrated models offer unique opportunities for donor collaboration and leverage.

Navigate Your Path to Impact

Whether you have been involved in food funding for years, or are considering your first grant to reduce food insecurity and hunger, we hope our food compass helps you chart a faster and more effective path from good intentions to greater impact.