I used ChatGPT Plus and Notion AI to quickly and easily put together a food access guide. Here’s how I did it.

1. Use this prompt to run in Deep Research mode in ChatGPT:

“Create a comprehensive guide to food access resources for individuals in [region]. Focus on immediate food access (pantries, meals, delivery) and long-term food security (gardens, gleaning, classes, co-ops). Include links, phone numbers, hours, and accessibility info. Exclude national programs unless there is local enrollment support.”

This will give you a solid draft list to start from.

Note: You need to double check the information it gives you, and you’ll probably need to add some additional links.

2. Use this prompt for a database in Notion:

"I want to create a comprehensive food access resource database in Notion for [YOUR CITY/COUNTY]. Please help me set up a database with these exact specifications:

Database Structure:

• Create a database called '[Your Area] Food Access Resource Guide' with a 🍞 icon

Required Properties:

1. Organization Name (Title property)
2. Category (Multi-select with these exact options and colors):
   • 🥫 Food Pantry (green)
   • 🥘 Community Kitchen (blue)
   • 🚚 Mobile Food Bank (orange)
   • 🛒 Shopping-Style Pantry (purple)
   • 📦 Emergency Food Box (red)
   • 📅 Monthly/Occasional (yellow)
   • 🔍 Resource Finder (gray)
   • 💡 Nutrition Education (blue)
   • 🏪 Mobile Market (orange)
   • 🏠 Street Outreach (red)
   • 👥 Senior Services (purple)
   • 📋 Resource Directory (gray)
   • 🌱 Community Garden (green)
   • 🍎 Gleaning Program (yellow)
   • 🏡 Home Delivery (pink)
   • ❄️ 24/7 Community Fridge (blue)
3. Address (Text) - Physical address of the organization
4. Phone (Text) - Phone number for contact
5. Hours (Text) - Operating hours and days
6. Services (Text) - Description of services offered
7. Service Area (Text) - Geographic areas served or zip codes
8. Special Notes (Text) - Additional important information