We Are The Partner Food Banks Trust to Navigate What’s Next

From surging demand to workforce burnout and aging infrastructure, the pressures facing food banks have never been greater. S.I.R. helps organizations of all sizes plan strategically, act decisively, and lead with impact.

Trusted by Food Banks on Every Level

S.I.R. is more than a planning firm — we’re a 60-year-old consultancy that brings together data science, strategic foresight, and stakeholder engagement to help organizations make bold, grounded decisions. From rural food pantries to statewide networks, we’ve worked with food banks at every level to help them adapt and thrive.

We understand the realities you face because we’ve lived them alongside:

  • Executive Directors navigating board governance and state association dynamics

  • COOs balancing logistics, staffing, and burnout

  • Development teams under pressure to show measurable ROI

  • Community engagement leaders navigating trust, dignity, and access

With experience across the entire country, our team delivers what matters most: plans that get implemented — not filed away.

How S.I.R. Helps Food Banks

Surging Demand, Unclear Forecasts

S.I.R. provides forecasting models and scenario planning tools using local data and frontline insight — helping you stay ahead of what’s next.

Donor Fatigue & Storytelling Gaps

We help food banks develop audience-specific messaging and strategic storytelling rooted in mission, outcomes, and community voice.

Volunteer Drop-Off & Workforce Burnout

We assess internal culture, streamline workflows, and help design modern volunteer and staffing strategies to reduce fatigue and increase retention

Disjointed Strategic Direction

We guide organizations through inclusive planning processes that align staff, board, and partners behind a clear, actionable strategy.

Aging Infrastructure, Limited Capital

S.I.R. supports long-term facilities planning, stakeholder buy-in, and capital campaign strategy grounded in future-focused needs.

Governance Conflicts at the State Level

We facilitate the design of equitable, transparent, and effective governance models — helping multiple food banks align around shared goals..

Reaching Underserved Communities

We conduct community perception research and facilitate outreach strategies designed to restore trust, reduce barriers, and center dignity

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

We help food banks stress-test sourcing and distribution models — identifying opportunities for greater resilience and partnership.

Our Methods,
Your Momentum

What sets S.I.R. apart is our model: we combine original research, facilitation, and implementation support under one roof. We don’t deliver off-the-shelf solutions. We build living roadmaps with your team, for your mission.

We support food banks through:

  • Strategic Planning grounded in data and community voice

  • Stakeholder Engagement with boards, partners, and residents

  • Program Evaluation and outcome tracking

  • Brand Strategy and storytelling that secures funding

  • Organizational Development and culture-building

  • Network Governance Design for multi-partner coordination

  • Dashboards and KPI Systems to prove — and improve — impact

A few examples from decades of experience

  • Virginia Federation of Food Banks

    Problem: Food insecurity surged during COVID, especially in underserved areas with limited transportation.

    Method: We designed a care package delivery strategy in partnership with Sentara Health, paired with community-level communications and dignity-focused messaging.

    Result: 1.1M boxes delivered and 100K+ residents reached, with trust restored in hard-to-serve regions.

  • Feeding New York State

    Problem: 10 food banks operating with siloed strategies and uneven governance.


    Method: Facilitated a collaborative planning process, designed shared mission/vision, and created state-level infrastructure to unify messaging and lobbying.


    Result: 50M pounds of food rescued and redirected with aligned strategy across one of the country’s largest states.

  • El Pasoans Fighting Hunger

    Problem: Dramatic spike in demand near the U.S.-Mexico border strained systems and space.


    Method: Conducted needs assessment, demand projection, and internal planning to guide growth investment.


    Result: A multi-year strategy for capacity expansion rooted in local partnerships and national trends.

  • Southeast Ohio Food Bank

    Problem:
    Fragmented support, aging facilities, and growing need across rural counties left the food bank without a clear strategic path.

    Method:
    S.I.R. facilitated a regionwide strategic planning process — engaging staff, board, and partners to align goals, define priorities, and design an implementation-ready roadmap tailored to a rural service model.

    Result:
    The organization now operates with a unified strategy for infrastructure investment, regional coordination, and long-term sustainability.

  • Tenn. Association of Food Banks

    Problem:
    Tennessee’s food banks lacked a unified statewide presence to coordinate advocacy, funding, and long-term strategy.

    Method:
    S.I.R. facilitated a statewide strategic planning process — aligning leadership across multiple regions to define shared goals, design governance models, and establish an operational framework for collaboration.

    Result:
    The association now operates with a clear structure, aligned direction, and stronger statewide influence in hunger relief policy and fundraising.

  • New Jersey Food Banks

    Problem:
    Despite operating in a shared environment, New Jersey’s food banks lacked a unified strategy or shared mechanisms to engage with state-level stakeholders.

    Method:
    S.I.R. supported the food banks in designing a collaborative governance model, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and facilitating consensus among executive leadership across the state.

    Result:
    A strengthened partnership that allows New Jersey’s food banks to coordinate strategy, present a unified voice to funders and policymakers, and pursue collective impact across service regions.

If You’re Ready to Rethink What’s Possible — Let’s Talk

Whether you’re at the start of a new strategy cycle or facing a new challenge entirely, S.I.R. is ready to meet you where you are. We’ve helped food banks grow, adapt, and lead — and we’re ready to do the same with you.


Let’s Get Started

For decision-makers in state, federal, or municipal agencies, S.I.R. is the go-to management consultancy.

Let’s work together to Improve Tomorrow.