August 24, 2010

New USDA Pilot to Feed more Kids During the Summer

Author: Brady Koch

This summer, we’ve provided Central Florida kids with over 42,000 meals at a variety of community programs through the Summer Food Service Program. Additionally we reach thousands of children through our Benefits Connection food stamp outreach program.

The USDA is considering a pilot program that will merge both programs into a benefit hybrid that is designed to provide children with food during the Summer when they don’t have access to the Free and Reduced Meal Program.

News Article: 16 Million Hungry Kids, 1 New Idea for Feeding Them

 What do you think of the idea? It could potentially reach many more children, but what about the accountability of the EBT cards? Hopefully Florida will participate in the pilot and we can provide even more meals to kids next summer.

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs

June 9, 2010

2010 Summer Food Service Program Begins when School Ends

Author: Brady Koch

Nearly 250 sites will be offering free breakfast, lunches and afternoon snacks to children in economically disadvantaged areas throughout Orange County this summer. This is our third year participating in the Summer Food Service Program and we’re hoping that it is our most successful year to date.

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

April 20, 2010

PepsiCo Feeds America with National Day of Service

Author: Maria Diestro

When I walked into work this morning I was greeted by 50 PepsiCo volunteers. They filled up our volunteer greeting area and overflowed into our warehouse. One thing I love about my job is having the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations that come through our volunteer center. So why do we have 50 PepsiCo volunteers at Second Harvest today?

Today, MOSAIC, PepsiCo’s African-American employee network is organizing a day of service with Feeding America. PepsiCo volunteers will work in over 30 food banks nationwide to impact over 2 million people. 1,400 PepsiCo employees will generate more than 5,000 volunteer hours in one day. That’s a pretty incredible project!

Second Harvest Food Bank is excited to take part in PepsiCo’s Employee Day of Service. We are one of four food banks in Florida that is participating in this project. The other 3 food banks are in Tampa, Miami and Ft. Pierce. I went around and took photos and video of these employees hard at work.

Second Harvest Food Bank would like to thank PepsiCo for their time and commitment in the fight against hunger.  Enjoy the photos and video!

Pictures:

Video:

Maria Diestro
Online Services and Communications Manager

September 10, 2009

Hunger Action Month – The Countdown Continues

Author: Maria Diestro

Week 2 of Hunger Action Month is here! I was pleased to learn that our Hunger Action Month Web site received the highest pageviews last week in my stats report. Thanks to everyone for making the time to check it out.

Before we continue our countdown, I’d like to give a Portraits of Hunger Photo Contest Update. We have over 400 votes in our system! There are only 8 more days left to vote and don’t forget that you can vote as many times as you want. The top three portraits right now are: Courage, Grocery Day and Hungry Eyes. So get to it and vote for your favorite today!

Lots to do this week on our 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar. Below are actions that you can take:

#21 Become an Advocate

There are so many ways that one can be an advocate. The most common way is to speak out in support of Second Harvest Food Bank and to let people know about the work we do here in Central Florida. Another more direct way is by writing letters to your government representatives.

We recently launched our Hunger Action Center and now have the capibility that allows you to do just this. Your support can help launch a nationwide expansion of the Afterschool Meal Program, allowing children from ALL states to benefit from a nutritious meal after school. Click here to take action.

#20 National Day of Service
In April, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which, for the first time, officially recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This year, on September 11, the President, the Corporation for National and Community Service, MyGoodDeed and the 9/11 families will ask all Americans to remember that Tuesday eight years ago and recommit to service in their communities throughout the year.

On the UnitedWeServe Web site you can find volunteer opportunities or you can register your service project. At Second Harvest we strongly believe in giving back to our community.

#19 Pledge to Fight Hunger
In the month of September we are asking people to Take the Pledge to Fight Hunger. We want you to join in the commitment to end hunger. We are asking you to pledge the following four things:

• Learn more about the largely invisible problem of hunger.
• Work to find ways to fight hunger in my own community.
• Fight for anti-hunger laws by joining Second Harvest Food Banks action center.
• Actively educate my friends, family and acquaintances about hunger and what can be done about it.

Once you sign the pledge, make sure to tell 5 of your friends about it.

That wraps up this week’s actions!  In case you missed it, Change the World’s blog writer Kate Santich did a nice write up on Monday about Hunger Action Month titled: Take Action Against Hunger All Month Long.

Until next week,

Maria Diestro
Online Services and Communications Manager