Service Insights
What is Service Insights?
Service Insights is a program to learn more about the neighbors and communities Harvesters’ network serves, so we can provide better service to families and seniors experiencing food insecurity. We do this by equipping our partner agencies with an electronic intake system to use when they serve neighbors.
This intake system, called Service Insights on MealConnect, is a database we use to collect basic information about neighbors receiving food assistance. The system was developed and is managed by Feeding America. Following industry standard practices, Service Insights on MealConnect, its database, and users of the system ensure that personal information is secure and private. The data collected is used to help us and agencies understand how we can improve our services.
Watch this video to learn more about Service Insights
and how it helps neighbors and our network.
What information is collected?
Our network partners will ask for basic information like name, age, where someone is staying, gender, race, if receiving SNAP benefits, and other household members. Some partner agencies may ask additional questions related to services they provide, like dietary restrictions/preferences.
Do I have to provide my information?
No. We hope neighbors will provide their information to help improve our service and speed up the intake process, but it is not required. Neighbors will receive food whether or not they choose to share their personal information.
(Please note, for people who receive food through certain programs like TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program – Kansas and Missouri state governments require that you provide your name, address, your income level, and the number of people in your household.)
How is personal information used?
Harvesters compiles the data gathered into aggregated reports. An aggregated report includes only totals and doesn’t include any other personally identifiable information. For example, a report might say that 500 people who live in County A received food in 2022. The report would not include the names, addresses, or other personally identifiable information of those 500 people.
Harvesters will never share your personal information with any third parties without your permission.
Additionally, Harvesters nor our agency partners will not use the system to limit your access to food. Those using the system will not have access to your visit history with any other agency.
(Please note, if you receive food through certain programs like TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program – Kansas and Missouri state governments require that you provide your name, address, your income level, and the number of people in your household.)
Questions or comments about Service Insights?
Harvesters would love to hear your thoughts! To speak directly with Harvesters, contact us using one of the methods below. You can also speak to the agency where you receive food assistance.
• Email serviceinsights@harvesters.org
• Call (816) 929‑3270 and ask to speak to someone about Service Insights
Interested in a deeper dive into Feeding America data collection and analysis? Learn more here!
