Food for Thought April 2009
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Food for ought Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes 913 E Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Business: 269.488.2617 / Fax: 269.343.3669 Food: 269.343-3663 / Email: [email protected] April 2009 Website: kzoolf.org Inside This Issue Film and a Food Drive 2 Hunger Moon Soup Kitchen 2 Food of the Month 2 Operation Dough-nation 2 KLF Annual Meeting 2009 2 The 2009 NALC Food Drive 3 The Other Piece of the Story Fast Fact: The FACT is KLF can procure some food items for less. At wholesale prices… A box of cereal is $.09 A dozen eggs is $.33 A jar of spaghetti sauce is $.50 Create purchasing power by donating food dollars today. I n a previous issue, I wrote about the balancing act that is Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes - the combination of food and time and dollars that together allows this organization to make emergency groceries available throughout Kalamazoo County. Another piece of the story is the way in which that combination of resources is making a difference in the lives of real people in our communities. Today, the struggles of our friends and neighbors are present in our lives as never before – the news brings them in to our homes in reports of layoffs and rising poverty numbers. We have been especially affected here in Michigan, where our unemployment rate outpaces every other state in the nation. Despite our awareness of these struggles, the face of those in need can still be surprising. The economic ripple effect has touched lives indiscriminately – across all divisions of job sector, age, education or race people find themselves in new territory. Most never expected to be challenged by something which had once been so simple - providing food for themselves and their family. Fortunately your dollars and time and food are there to help when it is most needed. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is actively making a difference in the lives of people here in Kalamazoo County. Here are two recent stories: I lost my middle management job in December. I immediately applied for unemployment benefits thinking that would help me get through. It is now February and I have yet to receive my first check. I have a wife and three kids, a mortgage and two car payments. We’ve given up our newspaper, our cable service, and our cell phones, and I’m still struggling to put food on the table. I never imagined being in this position – ever. I didn’t know what Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was until December when my pastor told me. Now I’m accepting your food. At first, it made me ashamed that we needed someone else’s help. Now, I’m just grateful you were here when we needed you most. My husband and I recently received food from Loaves & Fishes for the first time. We’ve been retired for several years and recently moved in my mother because she could not take care of herself anymore. She needs constant help getting around requires multiple medications each month that use up all of our Social Security and the small amount from our retirement. In November, we realized that we would have to choose to either buy food or the medication that keeps my mother going. I knew about Loaves & Fishes because my husband and I have donated what we can for years. Now, it seems, we’re on the other end of it. I know we wouldn’t be able to survive without the extra groceries each month. I choose things from the pantry that I can make stretch longer like rice, beans, and tomato paste. I choose carefully knowing that I purchase less now and need to make what I have last. It took contributions of food and volunteer time coordinated with staff effort and dollars to make sure that the right food was at the right place for each of these people when they needed it most. Thank you for letting us successfully tell the “other piece of the story.” – Anne OUR GOAL: Food Security— Access by all people to enough food for an active, healthy life— every day.
Transcript of Food for Thought April 2009
FoodforThought
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes913 E Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Business: 269.488.2617 / Fax: 269.343.3669Food: 269.343-3663 / Email: [email protected]
April 2009
Website: kzoolf.org
Inside This Issue
Film and a Food Drive 2
Hunger Moon Soup Kitchen 2
Food of the Month 2
Operation Dough-nation 2
KLF Annual Meeting 2009 2
The 2009 NALC Food Drive 3
The Other Piece of the Story
Fast Fact:
The FACT is KLF can procure some food items for less.
At wholesale prices…
A box of cereal is $.09
A dozen eggs is $.33
A jar of spaghetti sauce is $.50
Create purchasing power by donating food dollars today.
In a previous issue, I wrote about the balancing act that is Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes -
the combination of food and time and dollars that together allows this organization to make emergency groceries available throughout Kalamazoo County.
Another piece of the story is the way in which that combination of resources is making a difference in the lives of real people in our communities. Today, the struggles of our friends and neighbors are present in our lives as never before
– the news brings them in to our homes in reports of layoffs and rising poverty numbers. We have been especially affected here in Michigan, where our unemployment rate outpaces every other state in the nation. Despite our awareness of these struggles, the face of those in need can still be surprising. The economic ripple effect has touched lives indiscriminately – across all divisions of job sector, age, education or race people find themselves in new territory. Most never expected to be challenged by something which had once been so simple - providing food for themselves and their family.
Fortunately your dollars and time and food are there to help when it is most needed. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is actively making a difference in the lives of people here in Kalamazoo County. Here are two recent stories:
I lost my middle management job in December. I immediately applied for unemployment benefits thinking that would help me get through. It is now
February and I have yet to receive my first check. I have a wife and three kids, a mortgage and two car payments. We’ve given up our newspaper, our cable service, and our cell phones, and I’m still struggling to put food on the table. I never imagined being in this position – ever. I didn’t know what Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was until December when my pastor told me. Now I’m accepting your food. At first, it made me ashamed that we needed someone else’s help. Now, I’m just grateful you were here when we needed you most.
My husband and I recently received food from Loaves & Fishes for the first time. We’ve been retired for several years and recently moved in my mother because she could not take care of herself anymore. She needs constant help getting around requires multiple medications each month that use up all of our Social Security and the small amount from our retirement. In November, we realized that we would have to choose to either buy food or the medication that keeps my mother going. I knew about Loaves & Fishes because my husband and I have donated what we can for years. Now, it seems, we’re on the other end of it. I know we wouldn’t be able to survive without the extra groceries each month. I choose things from the pantry that I can make stretch longer like rice, beans, and tomato paste. I choose carefully knowing that I purchase less now and need to make what I have last.
It took contributions of food and volunteer time coordinated with staff effort and dollars to make sure that the right food was at the right place for each of these people when they needed it most. Thank you for letting us successfully tell the “other piece of the story.”
– Anne
OUR GOAL: Food Security— Access by all people to enough food for an active, healthy life—every day.
913 E Alcott, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 / P: 269.488.2617 / F: 269.343.3669 / E: [email protected] / W: kzoolf.org
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes: FoodforThought–April 2009 Page 2
In Native American tradition, the full moon in February is called the Hunger Moon. It occurs when
food supplies are scant and villages face starvation and bitter cold. Blue Tigers, the community service wing of the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, devoted the whole month of February to raising awareness of the urgent issue of hunger in our midst and, at the same time, raising funds for Loaves & Fishes.
The model was simple. Let people know about the growing extent of hunger and how Loaves & Fishes helps. Invite them for a hot and hearty bowl of soup on a cold winter’s night and give them an opportunity to be of service.
“The response was awesome,” according to KCDP Volunteer Committee Chair Laurie Terlesky,
“Kalamazoo people are just so generous. When they realize that the
need in Kalamazoo County went up 46% in 2008 - and that was LAST year - people wanted to help.”
Checks written to Loaves & Fishes poured in to KCDP to count toward meeting the challenge grant pledged by an anonymous donor. A prayer group, a parish church, someone’s out of town guest, plus individuals and many, many people who hosted and attended home soup kitchen events all contributed to the community effort.
As the month-end fundraiser tally was completed, KCDP Chariperson Dave Pawloski announced, “We are happy to say that we surpassed the $5000 mark and, counting the $5000 challenge grant, have donated a total $13,351.”
Thank you KCDP Blue Tigers and all of the participants of the Hunger Moon Soup Kitchen. Your generosity has helped KLF through the sparse winter and into what we hope will be a more hopeful spring and summer.
Hunger Moon Soup Kitchen Raises Awareness and Funds
You’re invited to the 2009 KLF Annual Meeting & Volunteer Potluck
The Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes 2009 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Potluck is Monday,
April 20, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:00pm. This year’s event will be held at a new location, Calvary Bible Church at 855 S. Drake Road, which is also a new KLF pantry site.
You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with other volunteers, board members, and staff, and get to enjoy all of the great food. Volunteers who have served more than five years will be formally recognized, and special service awards will be distributed. There will also be a brief business meeting to elect new board members.
All attendees are asked to please bring a dish to pass; KLF will provide all tableware and beverages.
If you plan to attend or just need more information, RSVP to Hannah at 488-2617, ext. 209, or email [email protected], by April 13, 2009.
Wish List Food of the Month
Please consider shopping for and donating the following “wish list” food items:
z April: Canned Spaghetti Sauce z May: 100% Fruit Juice
Did you know?Panera Bread’s Operation Dough-nation provides a way for patrons to make contributions directly to KLF! The next time you stop in for bread or a meal, look for the collection box and donate today.
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes: FoodforThought–April 2009Page 3
913 E Alcott, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 / P: 269.488.2617 / F: 269.343.3669 / E: [email protected] / W: kzoolf.org
KLF April Giving Coupon913 E. Alcott, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
April 2009 – Coupon #69
Amount $Each year the Feinstein Foundation donates $1 million to hundreds of organizations that help fight hunger in this country. Please donate to KLF between now and April 30th and your donations will count toward the Feinstein Foundation $1 Million Challenge (go to
www.kzoolf.org for more information). Please send your contribution by April 24
KLF May Giving Coupon913 E. Alcott, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
May 2009 – Coupon #70
Amount $If you aren’t able to contribute canned goods to the NALC Food Drive, contribute
dollars instead. Send KLF your contribution this month in honor of the NALC community-wide food collection and make a difference in local people’s lives today.
Please send your contribution by May 22
On May 9th, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will hold its 17th
Annual Letter Carrier Food Drive. Last year, Letter Carriers collected an amazing 100,000 lbs of food for this region of Southwest Michigan. That number is only surpassed by the 2004 collection amount of 110,000 lbs. This year, at a time when it’s never been needed more, we need your help to break all the records!
There are several ways you can help. Please fill a box or bag with food and set it out for your letter carrier on May 9th. In some areas, the week before the event your letter carrier will be dropping off a paper collection bag donated by generous local vendors along with the usual NALC reminder postcard. Tell your friends and neighbors to fill their bags with nonperishable food items and set them out for collection.
If participation on May 9 is not possible, hold a food collection before the event through your work, at your local apartment complex, or through your social group. Deliver the food items collected to the
National Association of Letter Carrier’s Food Drive“Let’s Break ALL the Records!”
KLF warehouse the week before or after the event and it will still count toward our ultimate goal.
One last way to stay connected to this event and see the power of the community coming together is to volunteer to sort food on May 9th at a collection site or at the KLF warehouse during the weeks that follow the event. If you’re interested or have questions, please call the KLF Volunteer Coordinator at 269-488-2617 ext. 209.
Even just one extra canned good per household can make a difference this year. Put us on your calendar and help KLF “break all the records!”
As you are filling your donation bag, consider contributing some of these “wish list” items: beef stew, ravioli with meat sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned meat, hearty soups, rice, pasta, 100% fruit juice, apple sauce, canned spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, and canned potatoes.
FoodforThought–April 2009 Page 4
Celebrations Thank you to all who honored loved ones with gifts to KLF. The following gifts were received between January 10 through March 6, 2009. If your gift arrived after March 6, it will appear in the next newsletter.
Gifts in honor of: Silvis Aladjem • Laura Benge • John and Leora Bowden • Pumpkin Bozich • David Brown • Douglas and Amy Brown • Lisa and Barry Brown • Lisa and Drew Buskirk • B.W. Challis • Jean Chrestie • Walter Davis
Michael Deeb • Susan Dennis • Tom Dent and Suzi Vandenberg Dent • Scott Devries • Gerald and Nancy Diment • Bob Dimond • Dr. and Mrs. Marc Downing • Kim Eagle • Scott Ellard • Dr. Thomas Fillar DDS Ken Fisher • John Flower • John and Carol Frittschuh • Mike Gagleard • Warren Garner and Vicki Mark • Ben Garvey • Charlotte Geddes • Mrs and Mrs. Bruce Gelbaugh • Jim and Linda Gregad • John & Kay Haas
Josh Hall • Mary and Rick Halpert • Dave Halpert • Mike Halpert • Rosalie Halpert • Karen Hassevoort • Msnr. Michael Hazard • Brad and Autumn Hearon • Carol Hodges• Jennifer Johnson • Azzam Kanaan Shadia Kanaan • Tom & Susan Kavanaugh • Sue Keltsch’s • John R. Kubla • Chris LaForge • Dave and Cathy LaForge • James LaForge • Matthew LaForge and Rebecca Inscoe • Steve and Marian LaForge • Sue
Lake Maxine Lester • Rob and Kim Mansfield • Louis Marvin • Jim Marwuardt • Melissa McDonald • Al Messinger • David Milko • Jerry Miller • Laura and Will Moss • Michael Nane • Frank Newman • Steve Nitsch Tyler and Jen Norman • President and Mrs. Barack Obama • Scott and Robin Oberle • Jai Prasad • Rich & Heather Provost • Steve and Kathy Rhodis • Charles Ritter • Eloise Robinson • Sarah Sandell • Scott Sawusch
• Michaela Schultz • David, Carla, and Emily Sexton • Gary and Sue Sexton • Russ and Leah Sexton • Edna Short • Margaret Simmons • Dave and Jill Sluyter • Eris Smith Harvey Spivak • James Stanley • Margaret Sydlaske • Mike Sydlaske • Sam and Pat Taylor • The Holysko Family • Ken & Kathy VanderBroek • Todd VanderMeer • Don and Beverly VanLandegent • Dr & Mrs. Vemuri
Steve and Debbie Weston • Frank Willis • Donald Wisser • Doug Wonderly • Tom and Paula Wuori • Deborah and Bart Yearly • Lew Zemlick • Jake & Marian Zuidema
Gifts in memory of:Robert C. Anderson • Harold Bahlke • Violet Borden • David Alan Borst • Mariam Bradfield • Patricia Brady • Neil Brand • Len Bridge • Ethel Brock • Leighton Brown • Thomas N. Brucks • Roy H. Buckley
Richard Burlington • Bruce L. Burrows • Mitchell Butler • Anne Calloway • Daniel Caswell • Alex Cazers • Marie Cease • Lewis Chapin • Jim Corkey • Mary Coscarelly • Richard Cottrell • Beatrice Cox Aaron Dickerman • Evan Ebling • Agnes Farraye • John P. Flynn • Barbara Frank • Carilee Galligan • Jack Gibson • Alfreds and Mirdza Gramatins • Arlene Gray • Ruby Gumm • Everett Hassing • Valerie Humpley Clarence David Ikerd • Jan and Tim • Anna A. Johnson • Mike Johnson • Sylvia Jones • Paul Kean • Rev. Sue Kemp • Tom Klobucar • Marguerite Kolb • Barney J. Magerlein • Kathy Mizeur • Dr. Howard Mowen
Helena Nodel • Frank Ossiff Jr. • Rosetta Packard • Sister M. Paschalita • Ardie Peet • Albert Pepin • Kaylan Rantz • Catherine Reed • Dr. Frank Sassamon • Claudia Heersma Schrock • Laura Sikkenga • Joani Siwik Dolores Smith • Joe Soda • Jimmy Steele • Marie Stoline’s Mom • June Taylor • Lawrence Tinkey • Cathy Townsend • Anthony VanDenBerg • Rev. Dewey VanDenBerg • Sandy VanderBor • John C. Veld
Albert E. Vickery • Roon Visser • Ronna Vogler • Marian Vorce • Steven Waldo • Mr and Mrs Hobert Watson • Marjorie Wisser • Wojdyla Deceased Family Members • Henry Yzenbaard
Board of DirectorsJan BrownLeatta ByrdPatricia CarlinGeorge ErickcekRobert EzelleBruce GelbaughMartin GlistaLynn Jessel
913 E Alcott
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
Business Phone: 269.488.2617Food Request Line: 269.343.3663
Fax: 269.343.3669Email: [email protected]
Website: kzoolf.org
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Kalamazoo, MI
Permit No. 1693
OUR MISSION: To expand the availability of emergency food resources and promote the ability of hungry people to feed themselves.
OUR VALUES: zCompassion zRespectz Justice z IntegrityzAdvocacy
Chris KenneyCheryl KnappSam LealofiDonna McClurkanHarvey MyersHelen NorrisMaija PetersonsMartha Simpson
Staff/Business Office 269.488.2617 ext.Dick Anson, Warehouse Assistant 211 Art Cole, Services Director 207 George Geissel, Bookkeeper 206Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director 212Phyllis Hepp, Project Planner 210Lou Hoekstra, Warehouse Assistant 211
Jennifer Johnson, Com/Dev Coordinator 213Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator 214Marv King, Food Director 211Anne Wend Lipsey, Executive Director 208Shelley Markle, Warehouse Assistant 211Sue VanderMeer, Call Center Team Leader 209
