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Good Shepherd Food Bank / Blog / Research and Impact / Understanding SIMC: The first in our Research and Impact Series
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Understanding SIMC: The first in our Research and Impact Series

At Good Shepherd Food Bank, we believe that the more we know about our neighbors experiencing hunger, the more effectively we can respond. That’s why, for more than three years, we’ve partnered with food pantries and meal programs across Maine to use Feeding America’s Service Insights on MealConnect (SIMC), a secure, web-based data collection platform.

SIMC helps partner agencies record information about the services they provide and the neighbors they serve. Replacing paper forms and disconnected tracking systems, SIMC streamlines intake, improves data security, and creates a shared understanding of hunger across our statewide network.

Today, participating agencies throughout Maine use SIMC to collect de-identified information that helps us better understand who is accessing food assistance and where needs are changing. This information allows us to measure our impact, identify gaps in service, allocate resources more effectively, and strengthen advocacy efforts on behalf of people experiencing hunger.

“ Our agency uses SIMC data to show our community impact, report trends to donors, board, and volunteers, inform/change our product ordering for the food pantry, and look at trends. ”
– SIMC Partner

“ I think the data about families and children has been useful… I think there are a lot of assumptions being made that adults are the ones who are primarily accessing our service and this data can show that it’s families and people with children. It’s food going to children. ”
– SIMC Partner

“ A lot of pantries don’t have political advocacy ability, but Good Shepherd Food Bank does. It’s one thing for Good Shepherd Food Bank to hear that all pantries are seeing an increase in numbers… but that’s all anecdotal. If we are all using SIMC, Good Shepherd Food Bank could see the increases, see where there are food deserts and do some advocacy work based on that. ”
– SIMC Partner

    Since 2023, SIMC has provided valuable insights into the diverse communities we serve. The data confirms what many of our partners already know: hunger affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and regions of Maine. By looking at trends across our network, we’re able to better understand the meal gap, prepare future strategies, and support local programs with the information they need to serve their communities effectively.

    The power of SIMC goes beyond reporting. Aggregated, de-identified data helps inform policy priorities and strategic decisions at the local, state, and regional levels, ensuring that the voices and experiences of our neighbors are reflected in conversations about hunger and food access.

    This post is the first in a series exploring SIMC and the impact of data-informed decision making. Throughout the series, we’ll dive deeper into what we’ve learned through the data, highlight participating partner agencies, and share how SIMC is helping us build a future where Mainers have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

    Visit our Research & Evaluation page to learn more about our approach, explore additional resources, and see how data helps inform our work toward a fuller future for all Mainers.