Archive for January, 2010

January 20, 2010

State-side Relief for Haiti

Author: Dave Krepcho

Although we are not chartered as an organization to do international relief, we found ourselves very busy these past few days in helping with the Haitian relief effort – domestically.

We have already provided five truckloads of food and beverages working alongside Department of Children & Families at Sanford International Airport. The first food these Haitian U.S. citizens receive when on U.S. soil is directly from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. We do not know what to anticipate when the refugee population starts to arrive in the U.S. and its impact on Central Florida.

The folks were so grateful for the food and also to be out of harm’s way. When I had the chance to provide food to the flight crew of the C-17 military transport in the middle of Saturday night, it was certainly one of those “mission moments” I’ll never forget.

To see our military being used for humanitarian reasons was very heartwarming. And to see that the average age of the nine member flight crew was about 27 years old was really a surprise!

That crew could not have been more polite and respectful despite flying for hours and under pressure to get back to Port Au Prince quickly. It made me proud to be an American.

Below are some pictures:

Dave Krepcho
President/CEO
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

January 20, 2010

Benefits Connection Attracts National Attention

Author: Brady Koch

Our Benefits Connection food stamp outreach program is making a positive difference for those in our community every day. The average monthly benefit from one of our food stamp applications is $223. Receiving food stamp assistance is the boost many families need while bouncing back from unemployment and other life-changing events.

Through the success of our program, we’ve found ourselves in the national spotlight. Last week the newly appointed Deputy Administrator for Food and Nutrition Service visited Second Harvest with other VIP officials from the USDA in addition to the food stamp team from local Department of Children and Families. They were thrilled with the stats we shared tracking the growth and impact of our food stamp program.

We love being able to share the success of our programs with all types of audiences.

Why don’t you come down to a Food for Thought and learn about all of the ways that we’re fighting hunger in Central Florida? We’ll give you the VIP tour.

 

 

Left to Right: Janet Foggs, Don Arnett, Sharron Washington, Lisa Pino, Dave Krepcho, Sandrene Stevens, Peggy Fouts, Nitza Colon, Yours Truly, Tom Sallette

 

 

 

 

Janet Foggs is a Government Operations Consultant, Don Arnett is the Regional Director for USDA Southeast, Sharron Washington is Circuit 9 ACCESS Operations Manager, Lisa Pino is USDA Deputy Administrator of Food and Nutrition Service, Sandrene Stevens is DCF Program Administrator for Orange County, Peggy Fouts is the Director for the Food and Nutrition Assistance Program for USDA Southeast Region and Tom Salette is Program Specialist for DCF.

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs

January 19, 2010

Pound for Pound: Week 1

Author: Brady Koch

The Pound for Pound challenge kicked off this week at the food bank and we all got on our pallet scale to get our cumulative “before” weights. We have so many participants at each of our different warehouses that we all couldn’t fit on the scale at once. Hey, no snide remarks about that. Collectively we weighed in at 2,809 lbs.

One of the things we’re doing this week to get healthy is walking the perimeter of the warehouse during lunch. Four laps is the equivalent to one mile. So next time you visit us for one of our Food For Thought sessions, don’t worry that all of the staff are circling the building. We’re making a commitment to health while fighting hunger.

Remember that General Mills donates $.14 for each pound you pledge to lose through the Pound for Pound challenge. If you want to make your pledge or learn more please visit http://www.pfpchallenge.com/fl

We have also set up a group on facebook to update you with recipes, success stories and exercise tips. Don’t forget to join our group.

Brady Koch

Director of Agency Relations & Programs

January 19, 2010

Triplets raised $2,025 by donating birthday to the food bank.

Author: Sasha Hausman

I remember my Sweet 16 birthday party. I couldn’t wait to have all my friends and family together to celebrate with me. But really I couldn’t wait for my presents. I remember I got some jewelry, purses, and make up … you know, typical 16 year old stuff.

A couple weeks ago I received a phone call from a happy mother of triplets. She explained that Ashley, John, and Natalie were gearing up for their 16th birthday party. She went on to explain that instead of present, they wanted to ask their guests to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. I was amazed! I went back to the thought of my 16th birthday and I couldn’t believe how selfless these three wonderful teenagers were being.

Ashley, John, and Natalie have always been encouraged by their parents, and through their school, Trinity Preparatory School, to participate in community service projects.  Through school, they have mentored underprivileged kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs; they have worked with Habitat for Humanity, their family “Adopts a Family” at Christmas time, etc. We at Second Harvest think they are incredible teens!

            The triplets raised $2,025 by donating their birthday to the food bank. With every $1.00 donated, we are able to provide up to $9.00 worth of grocery product to hard working families, senior citizens, and children throughout Central Florida. So their generous donation will go a long way!

I hope other kids and teenagers will get inspired by Ashley, John, and Natalie to get involved in their community… I know I am. Thanks guys and Happy Birthday!

Do you have an idea to raise funds or food for the food bank? Let me know!

Sasha Hausman
Event Specialist
shausman@foodbankcentralflorida.org

January 15, 2010

Responding to the Haiti Earthquake

Author: Dave Krepcho

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti; it is certainly a tragic situation. Many people are contacting us regarding our response to this disaster and we want to share that we are not chartered to provide international relief.

The most effective way for our community to help is to work with our fellow non-profit, non-governmental, and faith-based organizations that are responding at this very moment. These are all reputable organizations with ties to the Haitian community over the years. They can ensure that aid will get to the people in the most effective manner.

The situation is extremely difficult and only those organizations with knowledge of Haiti and the local connections can deliver aid effectively. These organizations need financial donations now.

Donations of food, clothing or other supplies will get bottle-necked in the logistics system at this point. Primarily, it’s military-related deliveries that are currently being channeled.

We recommend the following online resources , where you can find opportunities to help:

• NVOAD
• InterAction
• The Center for International Disaster Information
• Volunteer Florida

In the coming weeks, the situation will change and there may be opportunities for more domestic help. Your support may be needed once thousands of refugees are placed in Central Florida; they will have a need for basics such as food.

Sincerely,
Dave Krepcho
President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida