FERN - Food Exchange Resource Network
What is the Program?
FERN is headquartered at 2830 S. Zuni in Denver, Colorado. FERN is currently feeding a combined 500 families each week. We now have seven participating partners (three new ones since January, 2012), a shared 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse, an industrial size refrigerator and freezer, reliable food transportation vehicles, and the framework for a strategic business plan. Furthermore, all collaborative partners now use the client choice model for an engaging, interactive, and empowering experience that better serves their clients. The client choice model, in addition to reducing waste associated with the traditional food box model, honors diversity based on cultural food preferences, and allows for the power of choice. We have found that moving to client choice has proven to be a critical part of the equation to move people away from dependency and toward self-sufficiency.