Food Collectives are not just about groceries. They are a unique program created by People’s Table where neighbors come together to achieve food security, share resources, and strengthen their community. Members work side by side, making the program truly owned by the people it serves.

For families searching for comida gratis cerca de mi or ways to feel supported, Food Collectives offer more than food. They create community.

What Is a Food Collective?

A Food Collective is an organized group of families and individuals who work together to get healthy food, share resources, and build stronger neighborhoods.

Unlike a typical pantry, members do the work themselves. They unload food trucks, sort groceries equally, and share a meal and a meeting together. There are no outside volunteers, so the community runs the program. It is a true community food network.

How a Food Collective Works

Each Food Collective is designed to be member-driven and straightforward, so every person feels a sense of ownership in the process. When we describe our work, we often repeat a phrase: it is not transactional, it is transformative. That belief shapes everything we do. Here is how a Food Collective functions:

  • Members meet at a community location, such as a church, school, or apartment complex.
  • Food is picked up from partner sites and delivered to the group.
  • Everyone helps unload, sort, and distribute the food fairly.
  • After sorting, members share a potluck meal and gather to discuss jobs, resources, safety, and neighborhood issues.
  • Each family also checks in with the People’s Table support team for referrals and guidance to reach long-term stability.

Food becomes the first step toward connection, trust, and lasting change.

Building Stronger Neighborhoods Together

Food Collectives provide families with more than just access to free food. They provide stability, dignity, and a chance to build a stronger future with neighbors who care. By working together, members create solutions to challenges such as employment, safety, and wellness, and they form lasting friendships along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any household looking for food support and connection is welcome. You do not need to live in a specific ZIP code to participate.

Every member helps in some way. Jobs are based on ability, from unloading food to sorting items. Everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is required.

Unlike a pantry, Food Collectives are entirely run by the members. There are no outside volunteers. Families work together to share food, build relationships, and access resources.

Collectives meet regularly, often once or twice per month, depending on the location and membership. Each meeting includes food pickup, sorting, and a group meal with time for resource sharing and conversation.

Start or Join a Food Collective

Want to join a Food Collective near you? Interested in starting one in your neighborhood, apartment complex, or school?

Tell us a little about yourself so we can get started.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.