Click here to read more: Eating Nutritiously A Struggle When Money Is Scarce

This article highlights some of the complexities of hunger in America. It’s not just about getting enough food, but getting enough of the right kinds of food, as well as understanding the importance of making the right choices.

It can be very challenging to eat healthy on a tight budget, but have we considered what price we are paying to not eat healthy? What price are our children paying? What affect has it had on our communities?

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated  there is a similarity between low-income families trying to stretch scarce food dollars with high-calorie processed foods, “and youngsters who are just flat out not getting fed because their parents don’t have the resources to feed them.”

Elaine Livas, who runs Project SHARE, a food pantry in Pa., expressed that there’s something else to consider. As the nation becomes more health conscious, she’s noticing less healthy food coming to her pantry. She’s getting more sugar-coated cereals, for example, than the high-fiber ones she used to receive. “We can’t really complain that the poor are heavier, when what we’re donating is our kind of castaways,” she says.

What are your thoughts?

Maria Ali, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Manager

There are common warning signs to look for like lethargy, inability to concentrate, and aggression, but it can still be challenging to identify the need.

A new study published this month in the journal Pediatrics, by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers examined whether the time-consuming, 18-question Household Food Security Survey provided by the federal government could be shortened and still be effective in identifying hungry children.

They found that there were two questions you could ask that would be as effective as the entire 18 question survey.

Simple Two-Question Survey Can Better Identify Hungry Children

This is a great start to brainstorming exercises we’ve started internally to find ways to enhance our childhood programs.

What do you think of the findings of this study?

 Thank you Abby for taking the time to learn about hunger in Central Florida and for being a hunger champion! 

Maria Diestro
Online Services and Communications Manager

Position Summary: Administers assistance to people at a variety of convenient locations and provides user-friendly advice and electronic, on-line benefit application aid. Provides guidance through understanding benefits as well as acts as a liaison for future client follow up and communication. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of policy issues related to a broad range of human services, including Food Stamps, EITC, KidCare, WIC and Medicaid.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide detailed explanation of benefits.
2. Assist those eligible with online applications for:

a. Food Stamps
b. KidCare
c. Medicaid

3. Perform as liaison for future client follow up and communication.
4. Outreach to working poor, families and seniors as well as Hispanic and immigrant populations.
5. Ongoing monitoring of Federal and State policy to ensure barriers and/or opportunities are being communicated to the Manager.
6. Maintain and update records and reports for all applications produced.
7. Proper communication with such partners as ACCESS Florida and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Job Specifications
1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. One year of equivalent outreach experience.
3. Computer and web application literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
4. Commitment to understanding and supporting SHFB’s mission; shows compassion and an appreciation for hunger issues.
5. Proper and effective communication skills to communicate with partner agencies as well as those in need of the Benefits Connection Program.
6. Excellent organization skills.
7. Detail oriented.
8. Bi-lingual is preferred. (Spanish, Creole)
9. Ability to utilize provided laptop for research and application processes.
10. Willingness to travel to various Central Florida locations.
11. Standing, walking and traveling as needed.
12. Reliable insured vehicle.
13. Successfully pass pre-employment drug test screening, Level II Background Check and driving record check.

Competencies

• Anticipation/Proactive Thinking
• Is able to analyze and anticipate changes at a worksite that could potentially affect his/her work goals, and plans how to deal with them
• Develops contingency plans and consults them with the supervisor
• Paces himself/herself to meet goals or deadlines
• Demonstrates and pursues knowledge, competency and expertise in work, as well as a proactive approach to problem solving
• Customer Focus
• Always seeks to achieve excellence in customer service, quickly responds to situations and returns phone calls
• Empathizes with people while maintaining clear boundaries and objectivity
• Treats clients and co-workers with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, creed and/or personal circumstances
• Always protects and maintains the client’s confidentiality
• Communication
• Consistently keeps clients, partner sites and agency management informed
• Follows the chain of command
• Develops and builds excellent working relations and collaboration with partner agencies and other groups
• Speaks positively of the Agency and refers concerns to next level of management
• Dependability / Attendance
• Can be relied on to show to up to their worksite on time
• Works independently with minimum coaching
• Can always be expected to follow through with commitments
• Manages personal and sick leave appropriately and provides reasonable notice of leave of absence whenever possible
•  Taking Initiative / Responsibility
• Goes the extra mile whenever necessary or appropriate
• Asks for help from others when a goal or a deadline is unlikely to be met alone
• Takes responsibility for their actions and uses criticism to improve and learn
• Teamwork Ability
• Listens to others, communicates effectively
• Anticipates the needs of coworkers and supports team members agency-wide
• Volunteers to assist or support fellow employees
• Has a positive “can do” attitude and encourages a strong, inclusive team spirit
• Work Production / Organization
• Consistently meets goals, targets and deadlines
• Consistently produces reliable reports that are free of errors
• Provides good record keeping and consistent maintenance to his/her caseload
• Consistently maintains a level of outreach activity that keeps his/her schedule full
• Results Focus
• Is quick to identify and put a stop to wasted effort that does not produce valuable results
• Challenges themselves to raise performance standards and aim for higher targets
• Is open and receptive to feedback and coaching, and follows through with recommendations
• Works positively and effectively in highly confusing or ambiguous circumstances

Working Conditions:
Primarily mobile, with meetings at convenient locations throughout the community. Occasional office environment.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.

Please send resume or questions to Nitza Colon at NColon@foodbankcentralflorida.org

Abbey came into the food bank a couple of weeks to show us a video she had created for her class. Abbey’s teacher, Mrs. Patti Gordon, asked her class to learn more about a non-profit. Out of all the wonderful organizations in Central Florida, Abbey ended up choosing Second Harvest Food Bank.

All the information on the video Abbey grabbed from our brochures and website. She created the video on her computer and used pictures she took herself when she and her mom came to volunteer. We are in the process of getting this video on our youtube page. Be sure to check back next week to see the posted video.

In addition to creating this amazing video, Abbey handed us a check for $200 out of her own money. What an amazing individual.

We were all so touched by Abbey’s commitment to fighting hunger that we asked her to speak at our Feeding Hope Breakfast. The title of her speech was Hunger is Unacceptable.

We frequently present examples of kids whose families are struggling with poverty, and who need food assistance.  Today, we’re thrilled to present an example of just the opposite.   

A kid who has received the proper nutrition from birth, been nurtured, and supported by loving parents and teachers.  And look what is possible!   So many kids lack only the nutrition element, and could be so much more.  

That’s one of the primary motivators for staff and board at Second Harvest Food Bank.

AOL News published an article that provides a comprehensive look at our children that are out of school and out of food. The nationwide challenges detailed in the story are mirrored here in Central Florida

Record Number of Kids Facing Summer Of Hunger

 WASHINGTON (June 16) — With the school year ending in communities across America, more than 16 million children face a summer of hunger.

While classes were in session, they relied on free or discount cafeteria meals subsidized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But they will not be reached by the patchwork summer food programs financed by the USDA, which feed fewer than one in five of the total number of kids poor enough to qualify.

The children caught in the gap will likely spend the next few months cadging leftovers from neighbors, chowing down on cheap junk, lining up with their families at food banks that are already overmatched or simply learning to live with a constant headache, growling stomach and chronic fatigue. When school rolls around again in the fall, they will be less healthy and less ready to learn than their peers.

The problem is not new, of course, but indicators for a crisis are lining up. Federal studies show that “food insecurity” for children peaks during summer, said USDA spokeswoman Jean Daniel, adding, “That’s a cutting-edge research term for hunger.” Demand for food stamps is already up. Demand at food banks is already way up. Donations, however, are down.

Read complete article.

When I first saw the statement NO KID HUNGRY, I could have pictured it being said by a smiling pageant contestant in a similar fashion to wishing for world peace. After indoctrinating me into the information & data supplied by Share Our Strength, an organization focused on ending childhood hunger, I’ve now realized the goal is overwhelming.

Founded 25 years ago by a dynamic brother & sister duo, Share Our Strength reaches out to provide funding via grants, education and access to programs for those in need. After personally attending many galas & fundraising dinners for all kinds of charitable organizations I realized that I couldn’t gain the passion necessary to really help. Then along came Taste of the Nation.

With 17 Million children facing the insecurity of not knowing where their next meal may be, I finally felt the tug and the passion to help. Funding and finding basic needs for people should be easy but hearing that kids are hungry and that families make decision to pay the mortgage or groceries is frightening.

It also helped that I received a tap on my shoulder from a family friend, Brent Trotter, President & CEO at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. This tap was asking me to help chair the Taste event locally in Central Florida. It was certainly scary to take on the task of an event that was approaching it’s 21st year in existence while continuing to do my own job as a Private Banker with Regions Bank.

Our Central Florida has one of the longest running Taste events and continues to build alliances between our community partners, sponsors, patrons & the dedicated chefs with a common goal to raise money to help with the children in our own neighborhoods. This year’s event was another success due to the commitment from dedicated committee volunteers serving with me to orchestrate the event details, while mindful to the mission at hand to help the kids in need and risk of food insecurity.

We are also blessed to work with two amazing local beneficiaries: Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

The event has long been supported by Darden Restaurants through sponsorships, patrons, decor and fabulous food. Darden was joined this year by Orlando World Center Marriott who graciously hosted the event with an amazing display of hospitality. Other corporate sponsors included Disney, AirTran Airways, Regions Bank, Hilton Grand Vacations, Randy E. Schimmelpfennig, Jeanie C Linders Fund, AT&T, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Universal Nissan, KPMG, Massey Communications, BrightHouse Networks, Fields BMW/Minicooper and Rosen Hotels & Resorts.

The crowd of nearly 2,000 were entertained by a local band 3 Bucksworth, theatrics of 2nd Nature Productions and the culinary talents of Central Florida’s best and brightest chefs. As the amazing night closed out our committee could feel very proud of their efforts as the event in total raised $156,000 which will add to the $1.6 million raised over the previous 20 years to support the basic essentials in our community.

Due to economic climate resulting from the “great recession” the needs have increased and for the first time at Second Harvest those that had willingly given in prior years were applying for assistance. Our committee members were given a framed quote reminder to thank them for their help and support. The quote: Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something ~Author Unknown.

If you’ve got something to give to help end childhood hunger we need you on the committee for 2011!

Michele Byington, CFP®
Vice President
Regions Bank

To take nothing away from the fine work of the more than 600 partner feeding programs to whom our Food Bank distributes food each year in Central Florida, I have always been enormously impressed with the work of JFS.   Led by a true humanitarian, Barry Kudlowitz, this caring group of staff and volunteers provide a place where people in crisis can get some relief.   

And not just food relief.  JFS provides a wide range of services designed to help people ‘cover their bases’ on a number of important fronts.  This kind of help is very often all a person needs to get back on his/her feet and move forward in life.

I arrived not really knowing what to expect, but quickly learned the ropes from a true veteran of JFS; a 21-year old young man named Eton (say “Ay-tahn”).  Eton has been volunteering since he was 12—that’s not a typo.  He was very knowledgeable, and explained the mixture of foods I would be packing into brown paper grocery bags.  The system was very well-thought out and organized.  Together we prepared a dozen or so bags of food, and Eton’s shift came to a close.  He bid me farewell, and left me to fend for myself.  

 After only a few minutes, the first intercom buzzer went off and a voice on the wall said “I need two sets plus government.”  That meant two sets of the normal “two bag” portion for families, plus some of the USDA government commodity food they had on hand.  Each bag also contained some frozen protein (chicken or beef) and frozen bakery products.  I quickly hustled these items to the lobby in a shopping cart, where a young couple with a baby were waiting.  With many thanks from them, I helped carry their bags to the car.  

As I returned to the pantry room, I reflected how bare the shelves of the small room seemed.  JFS’s van driver, Jerry, picks up a vanload of food once a week (on Thursdays) from Second Harvest Food Bank to restock the shelves.    Around noon, the weekly bounty arrived.  I helped Jerry unpack approximately 3,000 pounds of canned vegetables, fruits, soups, stews, pastas, frozen meat and fish, noodles, cereal.   

While he worked to re-stock, I was called upon several more times for bags to the lobby.  I was struck by how “normal” and everyday folks the people who received the food were.  And also by how grateful they were to receive the help.

I went back to packing more bags.  Remembering what Eton had taught me about packing each bag earlier in the day, I found myself almost desperate in my temptation to break the rules and add a few more cans, a few more boxes, a little more meat to each of the bags I was packing.  In my head I knew that doing so would deplete the pantry more quickly than they could replenish it, but my heart wanted to do it just the same.  I decided to respect the rules so that the food could last.   (Note to self:  This community needs LOTS MORE donated food!)

I walked away appropriately tired, and greatly moved.  I was grateful to experience a small part of the incredible work that happens at JFS on a daily basis. My sincere thanks to Barry Kudlowitz, Adrienne Cooperman, Marni Chepenik, Es Cohen, Karen Broussard, Jerry the driver, Eton, and all the JFS staff for their caring work and for making me feel valuable today. 

Keep up the good work, guys!

Greg Higgerson
VP of Development

The major obstacles for kids participating in the program are outreach and transportation. Children home for the summer may not even know that this program is available in their community.  We urge you to help us spread the word. Help us raise awareness and ensure that children have access to proper nutrition this summer.

The Summer Food Sponsors in Orange County are:
-  The Orange County School District
-  Orlando Parks and Recreation
-  Second Harvest Food Bank
-  Township of Eatonville

For information on Orange County sites, click here.

For site information on Central Florida sites, click here.

For the rest of the state provide a zip code at this site:
http://app1.fldoe.org/summerfoodprogram/

For more information contact: Santos Maldonado, Childhood Hunger Programs Manager
(407) 295-1066 ext. 25 or smaldonado@foodbankcentralflorida.org

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs

Marty Vevera, the Coalition’s Director of Volunteer Services, showed us around the different facilities and told us more about who they serve and how they do it. We learned that the folks at the Coalition are not only providing a safe place to sleep at night for Central Florida’s homeless … but they also provide  job training, counseling, and learning skills for the little ones. Of course they are also supplying hot meals that either come from gracious volunteer groups, or straight from Second Harvest Food Bank’s distribution center!

After the great tour, Maria and I were put to work … if you could call it that. We had the pleasure of playing with the most adorable children at the Coalition’s Day Care. These children live at the Coalition while Mom or Dad are either busy learning new vocational skills, or working. Maria took the toddlers out to the playground and had a great time playing gas station attendant to all the kids in their play cars. While she was running around outside, I was hanging out with a beautiful 3 month old baby who was just born at the Coalition.

I couldn’t believe how many kids live at the Coalition. When you think about who is homeless, I definitely would not have pictured a sweet and innocent 3 month old baby girl. The average child at the Coalition is 6 years old. It is important to know that these children and their families receive help from the Coalition each and every day. I am proud and honored to say that Second Harvest Food Bank is able to provide food and other resources so the Coalition can spend money on other things like beds, diapers, and new toys for that awesome day care!

Maria and I also finished putting the last minute touches on their successful golf fundraiser and called it a day. Believe me … we were tired! But so happy that we were able to see the good work the Coalition is doing!

Want to know more ways you can help not only the Coalition, but all of our 600 partner agencies? Click here to learn more about ways to get involved.

pictures:

 
Talk to you soon!

Sasha Hausman
Events Specialist