Securing Safe Food (SSF)

Be Part of a Movement: Help Combat Food Insecurity for Those with Dietary Restrictions 

Securing Safe Food (SSF) is a student-led nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity among individuals with food allergies and improving access to allergen-free foods. Born out of the pandemic in 2020, SSF has transformed from a grassroots effort into a national 501(c)(3) partnering with food pantries across the U.S. Our focus goes beyond medical dietary restrictions, recognizing the importance of culturally relevant and sustainable allergen-friendly choices. By prioritizing safe, healthy food for all communities, we reshape the landscape of food accessibility and security.

How You Can Get Involved:

Our vision is a world where individuals with medically restricting diets can enjoy meals without compromising their health. Volunteering with SSF is an opportunity to collaborate with anti-hunger organizations, allergy and immunology clinics, and innovative food manufacturers—local and nationwide—to coordinate enhanced access to allergen-free food while reducing food waste. You will witness food delivery that changes norms in our food bank system, as well as gain experience at the intersection of food equity and social impact.

Open volunteer positions involve food pantry work in New Haven, outreach and medical clinic partnerships, fundraising, food drives, and graphic design. Time commitment is flexible, and engagement opportunities can be virtual or in-person in the Yale community. Show your interest here!

Food Pantry Coordinators: Build meaningful partnerships with pantry directors, survey visitors for dietary needs, enhance pantry accommodations, and ensure that those with food allergies have access to safe, nutritious options.

Community & Onboarding Outreach: Identify, contact, and meet with prospective partner food pantries, onboard new food pantries, and/or network with local partners, food manufacturers, and potential corporate donors.

Fundraising: Plan and organize exciting events and campaigns that will fuel SSF’s mission to provide allergen-friendly food to those in need (e.g., host a bake sale or benefit night). 

Food Drives: Hold a campus-wide food drive to collect allergen-friendly non-perishables. Explore opportunities with Yale Hospitality to label and donate allergen-friendly food to SSF-affiliated food programs. 

Digital Design: Assist in creating engaging and cohesive visual media for SSF’s social platforms, foster brand identity, creatively reflect the SSF mission and its threads across health, sustainability, and food security.

Your work will contribute directly to reshaping the way food banks serve vulnerable populations.

Ready to make a difference? Visit our website: https://www.securingsafefood.org/