2012 Summer Food For Thought - Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

A Newsletter for Supporters of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Summer 2012
Fresh Express Program
Delivers to York
The city of York is the latest recipient of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Fresh
Express program. Through the Fresh Express program, perishable foods that must
move quickly are distributed to families in need. The fresh produce, dairy and deli
products that are distributed help provide the building blocks for a healthy and
productive life.
Working in conjunction with the York Housing Authority, who targeted three
locations where they felt the need in the community was greatest, distributions took
place on May 25 at Parkway Housing, June 22 at Codorus Housing and July 27 at
Wellington Housing. Local residents had access to produce such as oranges, yams,
cabbage, onions and cantaloupes. Other products were distributed to provide for
a well-balanced, nutritional diet. In total, more than 1,000 families received food
assistance at the three locations.
The collaboration between various entities and many volunteers made the three
distributions a success, though the benefits went beyond just the food that was
delivered. A true spirit of community was evident as neighbors stepped up to assist
one another in ways some hadn’t seen for years.
“The Housing Authority is very pleased with the joint cooperative effort concerning
the Food Bank, which has helped so many people who are housing authority
residents, and neighbor residents, in this very difficult time of need,” said Richard
Fox, York Housing Authority Executive Director. “This humane endeavor helps
people stretch their checks and make ends meet. Many do not realize that hunger
exists in America every day in our communities. The Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank’s wonderful work helps to bridge this every day problem in our immediate
society. We thank the Food Bank for assisting so many people in our community.”
York County Commissioner Christopher Reilly volunteered at the first distribution,
helping to hand out produce to the many people in line. He was astonished to
see the need, and proud to see the work being done. “The quality and quantity
of food provided by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to the residents of our
city was incredible,” stated Commissioner Reilly. “Seeing the appreciation on the
faces of those individuals and families that came through the line, many with small
children, was very impactful. This program is essential in our efforts to help the
less fortunate in the city of York.”
As “Dave” left the first site, at Parkway Housing, his comments made it clear what
this all means. “My job has cut me to two or three days a week,” he said. “At least I
know this weekend, my family will have food to eat.”
Inside This Edition
Executive Director’s Message.......... 2
Making Hunger Their
Business – Land O’Lakes.............. 3
Welcome New Food Bank Staff . ..... 3
Food Bank Receives Donation
from PA Beef Council................... 4
Summer Camp................................. 4
Letter Carriers Food Drive................ 4
Seeing Stars..................................... 5
Nationwide Donates $45,000.......... 5
Make a Memorial Gift to
Honor a Loved One..................... 5
Food Bank’s New Website............... 5
2nd Annual Bread of Life Drive........ 6
Group Food Drives........................... 6
Volunteer Groups............................. 7
Volunteer Spotlight.......................... 7
Grants Provide Support.................... 7
Food Lion Grants $3,500................. 8
Ariva Donation................................ 8
Mount Hope BrewFest..................... 8
Bikers Support the Food Bank.......... 8
Agency Spotlight –
Hand of Grace Ministry................ 9
Joshua Farm Nurtures Crops........... 10
Hunger Action Month.................... 10
5K for Food.................................... 10
Woodforest Foundation Donates.... 11
Foxchase Golf................................ 11
2nd Annual Royer’s Stems Hunger.11
IFMA Fights Hunger....................... 11
Save The Dates.............................. 12
Visit our website at
Page 2
We Couldn’t Do It Without YOU!
A message from the Executive Director
3908 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5929
717.564.1700
Fax 717.561.4636
centralpafoodbank.org
2012 Board of Directors
Joel Hopkins – President
Tanya Comedy – Vice President
Jamie Strong – Secretary
Timothy Grunstra, CPA – Treasurer
Melissa Bard
Adam Campbell
Sean Connolly
Jim Curran
Margaret Delmonico
Bob Gillard
Kirk Hallett
Charles A. Linn
John Linnenbach
Bridget Montgomery
Tracy Pawelski
Don Roth
Matt Schlosser
Tona Shaver
Doug Shuff
Patricia Wong
Executive Director
Joe Arthur
Editor, Food for Thought
Brad Peterson
The official registration and financial
information of the Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank may be obtained from
the Pennsylvania Department of State
by calling toll-free 1.800.732.0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
A United Way Program Partner
Summer is shaping up as a season of exciting
opportunities here at the Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank. Following the recent completion
of Project Advancing Hope, our expanded and
improved warehouse facility has greatly enhanced
our efficiency, which helps us move more food
to people in need. We have also launched our
totally re-designed website, and our web visitors
have been responding with enthusiasm for the
Joe Arthur
enhancements. Additionally, we have smoothly
Executive Director
transitioned our leadership with my appointment
after the recent retirement of long-time Executive Director Kendall Hanna.
I am truly honored to lead this incredible organization and I am excited to
begin building, with your help, on the tremendous foundation laid by Kendall
and previous executives.
One thing that won’t change is our dedication to serve those suffering the
indignity of hunger. Fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening
communities is not just a mission statement. Those words resonate deeply
within me, as they do within all of our staff, board members, volunteers
and supporters. We are passionately committed to continuing the effort to
combat hunger in our communities. The needs of the less fortunate have
never been greater and the Food Bank has become critical in meeting the
basic nutritional needs of central Pennsylvania families, including at-risk
children and seniors.
To fulfill our mission, we must work collaboratively and seek innovative and
sustainable ways to source food. One vital option we are vigorously pursuing
is the acquisition and distribution of more fresh fruits and vegetables, which
requires improved logistics in all areas of our operation. We are committed
to this strategy—working with our community partners to enhance access to
nutritious food for our neighbors in need remains a top priority.
We are steadfast in our focus: to provide the best food possible to seniors
who are making hard choices between food and medication or utilities; to
supply much-needed nutrients for children to prosper and develop; and to
help families that are struggling through tough times.
I sincerely hope that you can visit the Food Bank for a tour, or just stop by
and say “hello!” at one of our upcoming events. Together, we can truly make
a positive impact in our central Pennsylvania communities. We couldn’t do
it without you!
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 3
Making Hunger THEIR Business!
Land O’Lakes has committed to provide excellent products
and help local communities thrive since the company began
operating in 1921. Each year, the company designates 2% of its
pre-tax profits to charitable giving and works with members and
employees to identify needs in their local communities.
Last year, Land O’Lakes donated more than $2.8 million in
cash and more than $1 million in product. The company also
has a Member Co-Op Match program, and last year, Land
O’Lakes members donated nearly $513,000 to hunger relief
and other programs locally. Land O’Lakes matched those
contributions dollar for dollar to help our members improve
their communities.
As a company focused on providing quality food and helping
local communities where its members and employees live and
work, one of the key focus areas for Land O’Lakes philanthropy
is hunger. As part of the “Feeding Our Communities” initiative
which began in 2010, Land O’Lakes has donated more than
40 truckloads of fresh food product to food banks across the
country. This includes 37,800 lbs. of macaroni and cheese to the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on August 10, 2011. To date,
the First Run program has donated about 1.5 million pounds of
product to food banks in 30 cities nationwide.
Over the past three years, Land O’Lakes has also presented
direct grants totaling $70,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank to help alleviate hunger for families throughout the region.
“As a national, farmer-owned cooperative,
Land O’Lakes is committed to
helping the growing number of
people struggling to put food on
their table,” said Land O’Lakes Foundation
Executive Director, Lydia Botham.
Central Pennsylvania is an important region in the Land O’Lakes
cooperative structure. Currently, nearly 1,500 dairy farmer
members make up the mid-Atlantic region of Land O’Lakes. In
addition, one of Land O’Lakes main dairy processing facilities is
located in Carlisle, PA.
Because of its strong ties to the community, Land O’Lakes
has a long history of providing support to Pennsylvania-based
programs. Since 2002, Land O’Lakes has donated nearly
$1.3 million to this region in direct grants, hunger relief
and matching gifts. Another key program affecting Central
Pennsylvania region is food program support for the United Way
of Pennsylvania. Land O’Lakes has a commitment to support
United Ways across the United States, where there are members,
facilities and employees. As part of this commitment, each
year, they match the annual United Way giving campaigns of
Cumberland County. Since 1997, they have donated $107,000
to match funds contributed to the United Way by Land O’Lakes
employees in these communities.
Welcome New Food Bank Staff!
Susan Steadman has joined us as Director of Finance and
Matt Newman also joined the Food Bank in July as
Administration. Susan has a BS degree in Industrial Engineering,
as well as an MBA in Business Administration from Penn
State, and spent 29 years at The Hershey Company in various
management, operational and engineering positions. She was on
the Food Bank board in the past, and is very involved with the
United Way. She and her husband Randy live in Hummelstown,
and she has two kids in college and an at-home dog!
the new Northern Dauphin Food Pantry Coordinator.
Matt has been a volunteer at the Northern Dauphin
Food Pantry since it opened. In fact, he helped put up
the shelving units before the pantry opened its doors!
Matt has a degree in Political Science from Bloomsburg
University and likes to stay active and exercise.
Alyssa Frye became a member of the Food Bank’s Customer
Food Bank team, joining the staff as Sponsorship
Coordinator. Jonas brings extensive fundraising
experience to the position, and has worked with nonprofits in the past including Boy Scouts of America (he
is an Eagle Scout) and Hope Station Neighborhood
Council. Jonas has a BA in History from the University
of Georgia and an MAT in Secondary Education from
Piedmont College. Jonas is a native Nebraskan, but he
and his family now call Carlisle home.
Service team in July, although many of our agencies already
recognize Alyssa’s smiling face because she has been working
at the Food Bank since October as a part-time, seasonal staff
member. Alyssa will assist with day-to-day customer service and
inventory and she’s excited to expand her role and become a
full-time member of the staff. Alyssa lives in Duncannon with
her 2-year old son Brannum and her parents. When not chasing
a toddler, Alyssa enjoys bowling and watching movies.
Jonas Tenney is the newest member of the
Page 4
Food Bank Receives Donation
from Pennsylvania Beef Council
The Pennsylvania Beef Council, along with multiple partners,
provided beef product donations that complemented the
national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Pineland Farm
Natural Meats and Local Harvest, a subsidiary of Meyer Natural
Angus, offered nearly 600 beef patty sliders and nearly 100
pounds of ground beef respectively to celebrate May as Beef
Month, and to help provide full meals to families in need.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary, George Greig, presented a
proclamation at the Food Bank to kick-off Beef Month.
“Pennsylvania farmers produce an abundant food supply, yet
one in 10 families doesn’t know where their next meal will
come from,” said Secretary Greig. “I thank Pennsylvania’s beef
producers and processors for donating beef and helping to end
hunger in Pennsylvania – one meal at a time.”
The Center for Beef Excellence also teamed up with the Beef
Council on a $500 monetary contribution that the Food Bank
will use to purchase additional beef items.
“More and more working families are trying to stretch their
budgets, and are coming to the Food Bank for assistance,”
stated Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. “This donation of center-of-theplate protein is essential for proper nutrition, but it is what
families often go without. The support of the Pennsylvania
Beef Council and farmers will truly make a difference for our
neighbors in need.”
Bridget Bingham, Executive Director Pennsylvania Beef
Council, (center) and Ann Nogan, Executive Director of the
Center for Beef Excellence, (right), present the check for $500
to Kendall Hanna of the Food Bank to purchase beef products.
Visit our website at
Summer Camp
Children attending the Silver Spring Township
Summer Camp this year collected 229 pounds of
food to donate to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank. The camp, held for eight weeks for children
grades one through eight, takes place at Silver
Spring Elementary School in the Cumberland Valley
School District. Each week of the camp is themed,
and week five was challenge week. The camp was
divided into two teams and the team that collected
the most canned items won points for their team.
At the Food Bank, we think both teams were
winners for their efforts and great support!
Letter Carriers Food Drive
Saturday, May 12 marked the 20th annual Letter
Carriers Food Drive across the country. On “Stamp
Out Hunger Day” anyone making a donation places
food items in a paper or plastic bag and leaves it
near their mailbox or place of mail delivery. Letter
carriers nationwide picked up any non-perishable
food donations during their routine mail deliveries.
Locally, donations to the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank totaled more than 25,000 pounds to help our
neighbors in need. In 20 years the Letter Carriers
Food Drive has collected more than 1.1 billion
pounds of food nationally, making it the largest
one day food collection event in the United States.
Thank you to the letter carriers
and USPS for their tremendous
efforts, and to everyone who
supported and participated in
the 2012 Stamp Out Hunger
Food Drive. Your generous
donations will truly make a
positive impact on the lives of
your neighbors.
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 5
Once again, the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank has received Charity Navigator’s top rating
of four stars. Charity Navigator is the largest
independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
and evaluates more than 5,500 charities annually.
The four-star rating is given to organizations
whose financial performance is “exceptional” and
“exceeds industry standards”. That means our
Seeing Stars!
donors can be assured that contributions
are being directed to support our mission
of fighting hunger, improving lives and
strengthening communities. For more
information about Charity Navigator and
its rating system, and to view the entire
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank report,
visit charitynavigator.org.
Nationwide Donates $45,000 to Food Bank
On May 23, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank received a grant
totaling $45,000 from the Nationwide Insurance Foundation. The
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is receiving the funds as a part
of a $1.25 million donation being made to the national office
of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief
organization, and 21 of its member food banks in communities
where Nationwide Insurance employees live and work.
“Nationwide is honored to support the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank,” said Tanya Comedy, Director, Sales Operations, Nationwide
Insurance. “We’re also proud of the of Nationwide central PA
employees who selflessly give of their time and energy in support
of hunger-relief initiatives. At Nationwide, we believe we can do
more together than we can alone.”
Pictured, Nationwide employees from
Harrisburg took a break from their volunteer
time in the Food Bank’s warehouse to present
the check to Kendall Hanna of the Food Bank.
In addition to Nationwide Insurance Foundation’s financial
support, thousands of Nationwide employees donate to food drives and volunteer at food banks across the country
each year. Since 2008, Nationwide employees from the Harrisburg area have collected and donated more than 14
tons of food and more than 200 Nationwide employees have volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Make a Memorial Gift to
Honor a Loved One
A memorial gift is the perfect way to
honor a deceased loved one. The memory
and charitable spirit of a departed friend
or family member can live on through
a donation that will provide nutritious
food to those in need. For every $1 you
donate, the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank can provide six meals to the hungry
in our community. If you would like to
make a memorial donation, please contact
Ginny Lutkewitte by phone at 717.564.1700,
ext. 3031, by email at glutkewitte@
centralpafoodbank.org or visit our website
centralpafoodbank.org/donate
Food Bank Website
Has a New Look
We are excited to announce the Food
Bank’s new and improved website was
launched on June 1. The website was
designed by Lancaster-based internet
marketing firm AGIS, who serves
the central Pennsylvania non-profit sector in website/mobile design &
development, mobile app development, search engine marketing and
custom application development. The Food Bank’s new website features
state-of-the-art technology and a simple, easy-to-navigate layout. The
new website’s interactive features will make it easier for our community
partners, volunteers and supporters to learn more
about the Food Bank and how to support our mission.
The new website is also linked to the Food Bank’s
social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.
Visit centralpafoodbank.org (or scan the QR code) and
check out our new site today!
Visit our website at
Page 6
2nd Annual
Bread of Life
Food Drive
The Notre Dame Club of
Harrisburg held its 2nd Annual
Bread of Life Food Drive
(B.O.L.D.) between April 30
and May 4. Last year, seven
Catholic schools participated in the food drive,
donating more than 3,200 pounds of food. This
year, 41 schools, Catholic and public, in Dauphin,
Cumberland and Lancaster Counties took part in
B.O.L.D. and collected 6,557 pounds of food to
benefit their neighbors in need.
Schools participating were: Ben Franklin School,
Bishop McDevitt High School, Camp Curtin
Elementary, Cathedral Consolidated, Central
Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin Middle
School, Chambers Hill Elementary, Downey
School, E.H. Phillips Elementary, Foose School,
John Harris High School, Lancaster Catholic
High School, Lawnton Elementary, Linglestown
Elementary, Linglestown Middle School, Marshall
School, Melrose School, Millersburg Middle School,
Mountain View Elementary, Our Lady of Angels,
Paxtonia Elementary, Resurrection Catholic School,
Rowland School, Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Sara
Lindemuth Elementary, SciTech High School, Scott
School, St. Anne Elementary, St. Catherine Laboure,
St. Joseph Elementary, St. Patrick Elementary, St.
Theresa Elementary, Steelton-Highspire Elementary,
Steelton-Highspire High School, Susquehanna
Township High School, Susquehanna Township
Middle School, Thomas W. Holtzman, Jr. Elementary,
Trinity High School, Upper Dauphin Area Middle
School, Upper Dauphin High School and West
Hanover Elementary.
“The Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg has been active
for years providing service to the people of central
Pennsylvania,” said Harrisburg Club President, Jack
Wright. “We are very excited about the growth in
participation in our second year, and are proud to
see so many local schools that will work closely with
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to help those in
our community who are having hard times.”
Group Food Drives
Thank you to the following groups and individuals for
conducting food drives! If you would like more information
on conducting a food drive, please contact Katie Wetzel at
717.564.1700 ext. 3198 or [email protected].
American Payroll Association
Humanity First, Hadee Mosque
Aviv Bliwas
Jason Miller
Beth El Temple
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Subs
Bob and Jill Siddall
John Evans
Bonnie Collins
Laureate Zeta Nu
Central PA PARSE
Linglestown Middle School
Nutrition Group
Central Penn College
Cindy Gundy
Comix Connection
Commonwealth of PA – PHRC
CreationFest
Dianne Witmer
DLA Children and Youth
Development Services
Marci Bowers
Marian Tracy
Messiah College – SIFE
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
Miranda Powell
NALC Stamp Out Hunger
Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg Bread of Life
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins
Linglestown Road
PA Human Relations Commission
Elite Coach
PA Treasury Department
Estate of Barbara Boyce
Pennsylvania Automotive
Association
Faith Presbyterian Church
Girl Scouts of Pennsylvania
Girl Scout Troop No. 848
Half-Moon Yoga Studio
Harrisburg-Hershey Hash House
Harriers
Harrisburg University
Highmark
Pennsylvania Medical Society
Pilgrim Commandery No. 11 Knights
Templar of PA
PinnacleHealth
Ridgeway Community Church
Royer’s Flowers and Gifts
Thomas Nelson
“It is heartwarming to see so many local schools taking part in the
Bread of Life Food Drive,” stated Joe Arthur, Executive Director of
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “By participating, it shows
the incredible generosity of central Pennsylvanians who believe in
caring for those in their neighborhoods who are struggling with
hunger.”
After barrels were collected at the 41 schools, volunteers from the
Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg, St. Aloysious Club of Steelton and
Bishop McDevitt High School sorted the collected food items at
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank warehouse.
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 7
Volunteer Groups
Volunteer Spotlight
Thank you to the following groups for donating
your time to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank!
If you would like information on volunteer opportunities,
please contact Katie Wetzel at 717.564.1700 ext. 3198
or [email protected].
AAA Central Penn
Aaron’s Acres
ACC
AHOLD/GIANT Food Stores
AHOLD/GIANT Marketing and
Consumer Insights
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
The Arc of Dauphin County
Belco Community Credit Union
Best Buy
Beth El Temple
Bishop McDevitt High School
Boy Scout Troop No. 34
The Hershey Company Global Shared
Services
The Hershey Company Logistics
Group
The Hershey Company Sensory
Science Group
Highmark
Hope Springs Farm
Huntington Drop In Center
Isaac’s Famous Grilled Sandwiches
Keystone Autism Services
Kiwanis Club of Cumberland County
LCBC Church
Boy Scout Troop No. 312
Lebanon County Career and
Technology Center
Central Dauphin East High School
Lewisberry United Methodist Church
Coca-Cola
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Crossroads Middle School - Builders
Club
Linglestown Life United Methodist
Church/The Edge Youth Group
DayStar Center
Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church
Deloitte
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Derry Presbyterian Church
Mid Penn Bank
East Pennsboro Elementary School
National Coalition for 100 Black
Women
Econ Wealth Management
Ecumenical Retirement Community
90+ Club
Nationwide Insurance
Nielsen Company
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Names – Courtney Brady, Tiffany Look, Holly Wolfe,
Lauren Conley, Marisol Feliciano, Donna Japak, Jeffrey
Gillis, Jessica Shettel, Jamie Miller, Paula Lightner,
Jessica Hutchinson, Anne Bednar, Randy Evans and
Kelly Hall
Years volunteering – 3
Each month, associates from Members 1st Federal
Credit Union volunteer with the Food Bank and
pack approximately 600 ElderShare boxes for senior
citizens in our community. Last year, more than 125
associates volunteered their time with the Food Bank.
Quote – “Volunteering at the Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank is a great way to give back to an
organization in our community and support
underprivileged families that we serve. The
experience is extremely rewarding knowing that you
are helping someone in need.”
Grants Provide Much Needed Support
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch
Food Lion
Freas Foundation
GIANT Food Stores
M&T Bank
Mazon
McCormick Family Foundation
Nationwide Insurance Foundation
Stabler Foundation
Emmanuel United Methodist Church
Northshore Academy
Erie Insurance
Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg
Fellowship Study Group Church
Ohio Casualty Insurance
Gettysburg College
Pampered Chef Consultants
Harrisburg High School
Paxton Presbyterian Church
Harrisburg Keystone Rotary
Paxton United Methodist Church
The HDH Group
Pennsylvania Automotive Association
St. Anne Elementary School
Hershey Chocolate World
Pinchot Park Assembly of God
Staples Advantage
Hershey Community Youth Alliance
PSECU
Subway Café Group
The Hershey Company College
Interns
Rite Aid
Swatara Church of God
Rite Aid College Interns
Target
TriCounty Association for
the Blind
Trinity High School
Widener University
YouthWorks
Visit our website at
Page 8
Donors — Making a Difference T hank you!
Food Lion Charitable Foundation
Grants Food Bank $3,500
Ariva
Donation
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been awarded a grant of
$3,500 from the Food Lion Charitable Foundation. Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank will use the donation to purchase food that will be
distributed in the emergency food network in Franklin County.
“We are committed to continuing the effort to combat hunger in our
communities, and we thank Food Lion for their pledge to the Food
Bank and the people we serve in Franklin County,” said Joe Arthur,
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director. “Our partners in
the community, like Food Lion, play a critical role in the Food Bank’s
ability to further our mission in our neighborhoods and we greatly
appreciate their ongoing dedication to reduce hunger.”
This donation of $3,500 will enable the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
to supply 21,000 meals to the residents of Franklin County, augmenting
the ongoing efforts to fight hunger in the area. In 2011, the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank distributed more than 590,000 pounds of
nutritious food to the residents of Franklin County.
Established in 2001, the Food Lion Charitable Foundation provides
financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding
the hungry in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the
foundation has awarded more than $9 million in grants.
Domtar Paper
recently asked its
employees, “If every
year was a leap year, what would you do with an
extra day in your life?” More than 200 responses
were submitted, with Rick Bender, Distribution
Manager of Ariva in Harrisburg, being honored
for his response. Rick’s idea was “I would deliver
a case of Domtar copy paper to every school,
church. library, nursing home, daycare center,
fire department and police department in town.
This would show ‘caring’ for all the people who
work hard to improve our community.”
For Rick’s submission, he received boxes of
Domtar paper to distribute, as he wished, and
he also received a check in the amount of $2,929
to donate to his chosen charity, which is the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Pictured, Rick
(right) presents the check to Brad Peterson,
Director of Communications, in the Food Bank’s
Harrisburg warehouse. Thank you, Rick, for
your dedication and caring for your community!
Mount Hope BrewFest
Raffle Yields $1,200!
Bikers Support
the Food Bank
Those who attended the 4th annual
BrewFest at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery on
May 12 not only enjoyed sipping their brews, but also
gave their bucks in efforts to raise money for the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank. A raffle was hosted during
BrewFest which raised a grand total of $1,192, thanks
to generous prize contributions from breweries, local
businesses and vendors. A total of 335 raffle tickets were
sold to willing BrewFest goers and prizes ranging from
T-shirts to gift certificates were snagged. The Mount
Hope Estate and Winery, home of the Pennsylvania
Renaissance Faire, is happy to present these proceeds to
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to join in the efforts
of providing food assistance to central Pennsylvania.
On July 4 the 2nd Annual
JAM Bike Run for Hungry
Children was held. The
ride began at Fairfield
Riders prepare to start the Jam
Toyota/Scion in Muncy
Bike Run for Hungry Children.
and ended at Quaker
Steak and Lube in Bloomsburg. In between, riders traversed
50 miles of a scenic ride, all to benefit hungry children in our
area. At Quaker Steak and Lube, Henry Hynoski of the Super
Bowl champion New York Giants, and a native of Elysburg,
served as celebrity bartender to raise more funds for the
cause. In all, $1,165 was raised, which will supply nearly 7,000
meals to hungry children in our neighborhoods. Thank you
to everyone who helped make this event a success!
centralpafoodbank.org
Agency Spotlight
Page 9
Hand of Grace Ministry
Do you remember 1999, and fears of a Y2K crash? There was
widespread speculation that critical systems would fail when the clock
struck midnight and the calendar turned to 2000. All over the world
companies, governments and organizations checked and upgraded
their computer systems. Many local organizations also had concerns
about what would transpire. At Grace Covenant Church in Lewistown,
a group of people worried that food may not be available for their
neighbors, and thus, Hand of Grace Ministry Food Pantry was started.
The group began accumulating food early in 1999, but by June they
realized people were in need now, and their initial distribution went to 16 families. In July, 32 families received food
assistance and in August, the number doubled again, with 64 families receiving a box of food.
The pantry now distributes boxes twice each month; the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 50-60 volunteers
pre-pack boxes on Friday evening for the next day. 425-450 families, more than 1,000 people, receive food each month.
In June, 43,000 pounds of food was distributed to their neighbors. The food distributed also has grown to include much
more than just standard non-perishable products. With a walk-in cooler and six freezers, Hand of Grace Ministry offers a
full complement of food products. The pantry also is implementing a choice system for some products. Now, instead of
just receiving a pre-packed box, a choice is offered for various items, such as cereal, pasta and boxed meals.
Food from local donations and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank make it possible for the pantry to continue to serve
their families. “Hand of Grace has depended on the ‘Helping Hands’ of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank for more
than 13 years now,” said George Camp, co-Director, Hand of Grace Ministry. “Many times, when our resources were
limited, they would help in ways to ensure our families received an adequate amount of quality food products each
month.”
Mechanicsburg
Visit our website at
Page 10
Joshua Farm Nurtures Crops
and Self-Confidence
Joshua Farm workers show off a
portion of the day’s harvest.
Nestled between 18th and 19th Streets in Harrisburg’s
Allison Hill, the Joshua Farm is a green oasis that
defies description. In its sixth year of existence,
the Joshua Farm is under the supervision of Kirsten
Reinford and relies on local at-risk youth to provide
the primary labor of planting, weeding and harvesting
the crops. The yield of crops that are grown is
astonishing! What was once a vacant lot now produces
varieties of peppers, tomatoes and lettuce, along with
garden staples such as cucumbers, onions, carrots,
herbs, squash, potatoes, beans, peas and more.
The Joshua Farm offers a stipend to local at-risk high
school students who work 25 hours per week at the
farm. It is a way for the youth to not only learn the
basics of how to tend vegetables and introduce them
to new foods such as kohlrabi, but also teaches them
the benefits of giving back to their community.
The farm is a collective, meaning the Joshua Farm
sells 40-45 shares to surrounding residents for $450.
In return, the residents receive a bag of the fresh,
organic harvest each week during the 21-22 week
growing season. The remaining crops are sold at a
retail market stand located at Strawberry Square in
Harrisburg on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Joshua Farm is a subsidiary of the Joshua Group,
a mentoring organization that offers tutoring for
urban youth and seeks to provide hope and support
for at-risk youth through educational and vocational
opportunities. For more information on the Joshua
Farm, visit joshuagroup.org or stop by the retail store
in Strawberry Square to sample some of the fresh,
locally grown vegetables, and support the Joshua
Group’s efforts to deliver delicious vegetables and
cultivate young minds.
Hunger Action
Month
September 1st will launch Hunger Action Month, a nationally
recognized campaign to increase awareness of hunger issues in our
communities. For the fourth year, the Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank will kick-off our Hunger Action Month activities at the Kipona
Festival in Harrisburg, held Sept. 1-3, and the Food Bank’s Community
Day with the Harrisburg Senators will take place during the game on
September 2. The Food Bank will have a booth along the river during
Kipona so stop by, say hello, pick up some information and spin the
prize wheel for your chance to win goodies.
Our goal is to involve as many people as possible during Hunger Action
Month, and there are many ways you can participate: coordinate
a food drive, volunteer at the Food Bank or your local food pantry,
make a food or monetary donation, or place a yard sign at home, your
place of work or worship. This year our goal is to have our orange
“hungerbites.org” yard signs in every county throughout central PA.
One of the largest activities of Hunger Action Month is the Community
Food Drive Challenge. Last year more than 10 tons of food was
donated! This year our goals are 25 participants and 25,000 pounds
of food. That would provide approximately 19,500 meals to central PA
families!
If you would like more information of hunger in our area, or on ways
you can help, go to our Hunger Action Month website, hungerbites.
org. We will also be sharing information on our Facebook page. If you
aren’t a fan yet, add us at facebook.com/Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank. This is your chance to get involved in the fight against hunger.
Do something. Now.
5K for Food
On Saturday, June 3, 56
participants took part in the
193d SOW Benevolent League’s
2nd Annual 5K charity run/walk.
Held at Memorial Lake State
Park at Ft. Indiantown Gap,
the entrants had a beautiful summer morning to navigate the scenic
course. Joseph Sherbaum was the overall winner with a time of 19:48
and Chrissy French was the top female finisher in 24:47. The event
raised $1,199 for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which will help
provide more than 7,000 meals to individuals struggling with hunger
in our communities. Thank you to the 193d SOW Benevolent League,
the event sponsors: Classis Drycleaners, The Inside Track, Romano’s
Macaroni Grill, Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club, Pennsylvania
DCNR and PowerBar and everyone who took part in this event!
centralpafoodbank.org
Page 11
Woodforest Foundation Donates to
Support Child Nutrition Program
The Woodforest Charitable Foundation recently designated a
grant of $4,670 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to further
the Food Bank’s efforts to fight hunger in our area. Woodforest’s
gift will be instrumental in providing more than 3,000 backpacks
full of healthy food to low-income children through our Power
Pack program. In this program, children are provided with
weekly backpacks of nutritious, kid-friendly food for their use
over weekends and holidays, when they are at the greatest risk of
being hungry. Through our collaborative efforts we can work to
break the cycle of poverty and improve a child’s opportunity to
grow and develop fully, and meet their greatest potential.
“The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been a grateful
recipient of the Woodforest Charitable Foundation’s compassion
and generosity for a number of years,” said Joe Arthur, Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director. “With their support,
we have been able to provide healthy meals and nutrition
education materials for thousands of children living in poverty in
our communities. The commitment of the Woodforest Charitable
Foundation is instrumental in our continued efforts to address
childhood hunger.”
Since 2009, the
Woodforest Charitable
Foundation has donated $22,125 dollars to the Food Bank to
enable children to lead healthier, happier lives.
Support the Food Bank by Golfing!
Foxchase Golf Club, located in Stevens, PA, is partnering with
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to help needy families in
our area. During the month of October, Foxchase will donate
10% of all afternoon purchases to the Food Bank, when the
attached coupon is presented. So go hit some range balls, play
18 holes, have lunch and support the Food Bank, while enjoying
a day on the links! Go to foxchasegolf.com or call the course at
717.336.3673 for more details or to book your tee time.
Oct 1st,, 2012
Through
Oct 31st, 2012
valid
FOXCHASE
GOL F CLU B
300 Stevens Road
Stevens, PA 17578
(717) 336-3673
www.foxchasegolf.com
PRESENT THIS CERTIFICATE FOR EVERY TRANSACTION YOU MAKE AT FOXCHASE GOLF CLUB DURING
THE DESIGNATED MONTH. A PORTION OF YOUR TRANSACTION VALUE WILL BE DONATED TO THE
ORGANIZATION LISTED ON THIS VOUCHER. FOXCHASE GOLF CLUB RESERVES THE RIGHT TO VOID OR
CANCEL AT ANY TIME. SEE FOXCHASEGOLF.COM FOR DETAILS.
2nd
Annual
Royer’s
Stems
Hunger
Campaign
Pictured Joe Arthur, Executive
Director, Central Pennsylvania
Food Bank (left) receives donated
food from Greg Royer, President
and CEO, Royer’s Flowers (right).
Royer’s Flowers &
Gifts 2nd Annual
Stems Hunger
Campaign was
held from June 23 to July 3. Customers were asked
to bring canned foods to any of the 17 Royer’s or
Stephenson’s Flowers & Gifts and place the food items in
a collection barrel. For each can donated, they received
a free carnation, up to a maximum of six carnations per
family, per visit. This year, 1,120 pounds of food was
collected to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
and the Greater Berks Food Bank. “We are extremely
grateful for Royer’s continued commitment to help
families and individuals in our communities,” said Joe
Arthur, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank. “The Royer’s Stems Hunger food drive is one
more example of a locally-owned company giving back
to their community. This donation will help provide
much-needed nutrition to many families living in central
Pennsylvania.”
IFMA Fights
Hunger with
Donation
The Central PA Chapter of
IFMA, the International
Facilities Management
Association, made a donation of $1,820 to the Central
Pennsylvania Food Bank at the chapter’s annual meeting
in June. Funds were donated by individual members, and
then matched by the chapter. Pictured, Michele Sinadinos,
President, Central PA Chapter of IFMA presents the check to
Brad Peterson, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Director of
Communications. Thank you for supporting the mission of
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank!
Save the Dates
Central Pennsylvania Food
Bank events offer a wonderful
opportunity to support our mission
of fightinghunger,improvinglives
and strengthening communities!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S Postage
PAID
Harrisburg, PA
Permit No. 828
3908 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5929
For more information
visit centralpafoodbank.org or
call 717.564.1700!
September
Hunger Action Month
Friday, September 14
Agency Relations Conference
Sunday, October 28
25th annual Taste of Central PA
Become a fan of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
(@foodbankguy & @centralpafb) to get regular updates!
25 years of sterling success
25
th Annual
of central Pennsylvania
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012
Strawberry Square, Harrisburg - 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more event & ticket information please
visit centralpafoodbank.org or call the Food Bank at 717.564.1700.
Sponsored by:
The official registration and financial information of Central Pennsylvania Food Bank may be obtained from the Pennsylvania
Department of State by calling, toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement. Beer and Wine tasting not contingent upon ticket purchase.