If a Child is Hungry

Transcription

If a Child is Hungry
A newsletter for donors, volunteers, and supporters
dedicated to the fight against hunger.
Nourishing News
YOUTH edition April 2015
Your gifts help families with school age kids
communityfoodbank.org
If a Child is Hungry...
...so is their whole family. But, with your support, schools
are providing families and their children much-needed food.
Brandon, a 10-year-old student at Wright
Elementary School, heaves the bag filled with food
over his shoulders.
He straightens up and stands tall as he says, “This
food makes my backpack heavy, but I don’t mind
because we have something to eat on the weekend.”
Brandon and his family are one of more than 200
that have used the school pantry since its opening in
late 2014.
At Wright, the first elementary to pilot the
program, more than 3,550 pounds of food have been
distributed to families in need.
That amounts to nearly 3,000 meals for children
and their parents and siblings who might otherwise
have gone home to empty tables! Of the 440 students
enrolled at Wright, 99% are eligible for free and
Continued on page 5
Inside
Page 3
“None of
us want
to see
anyone
go
hungry.”
Page 4
You help
people
eat
healthier
through
gardening.
Community Food Bank
Page 7
Where are
they now?
Your gifts
give hope
for a new
career.
YOUTH edition APRIL 2015
Nourishing News
1
Support your
community with
these events
The Need is Greatest During Summer
A message from the CEO
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Friday, May 15
Win an Amish Quilt!
When most people hear the words, giving
season, they tend to think of the holidays.
A time when people ban together to care
for those in need. But, what happens when
that season comes to a close?
Enter online at
communityfoodbank.
org/2015quiltdrawing or
call (520) 882-3296.
Life slows down a bit, the pressure eases,
and we go back
This spring
to our normal
routines. But, for so many in Southern
and summer,
Arizona, summer poses challenges that no
let’s make sure
one should have to face.
children are
eating three
Imagine being a parent and knowing there
wholesome
is not enough food for one meal, let alone
meals a day.
a day’s worth. Or, knowing that you’ll soon
be forced to decide between paying utilities
and buying food. Or, fearing the arrival of summer, and with it, the
costs of extra childcare, higher utilities, and additional food.
Saturday, May 9
Annual “Stamp Out
Hunger” Letter
Carriers’ Food Drive
Place a bag of nonperishable
food items by your mailbox on
May 9, and your items will be
collected by your letter carrier.
This is the Community Food
Bank’s largest food drive of the
year – we need your help!
This spring and summer, children are eating three wholesome
meals a day. And, when school lets out for the summer, let's make
sure that their pantries are stocked with healthy options.
Our community is filled with kind and
generous people, especially you.
Together, let’s make the giving
season last all year long.
Katie Maxwell,
Chair
Greg Kishi,
Co-Vice Chair
Robert Mohelnitzky,
Co-Vice Chair
Stephanie Bankemper,
Secretary
Steve Banzhaf,
Treasurer
K.C. An
Gary Becker
Lauryn Bianco
Yours in service,
Michael McDonald
CEO/President
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Special thanks to our Board of Directors
YOUTH edition APRIL 2015
Cathy Bradley
Rosalva Bullock
Barry Corey
Lyle Ford
Jaime Gutierrez
Gregg Johnson
James Kolbe
Fran McNeely
Doug Taren
Andres Valenzuela
Kimberly Van Amburg
David Yaeli
Bill Young
Community Food Bank
Agency highlight: The Sahuarita Food Bank
A Community is Only as Healthy as
its Most Vulnerable Populations
“None of us want to see anyone go hungry.”
The Sahuarita Food Bank relies on the
work of more than 125 volunteers. This
food bank serves approximately 120
households per week.
“It’s a strong partnership. None of us want to
see anyone go hungry,” says Jackie Smith of the
Sahuarita Food Bank, which has operated out of the
Good Shepherd United Church of Christ since 2009.
They offer both emergency food assistance and
additional items, including milk and eggs. They also
maintain an active Back Pack program for children
in need of after school snacks. On average, more than
180 packs go out weekly throughout the school year.
Two recent grants, totaling $80,000, from
Pima County’s Community Development Block
Grant Program, the Tohono O’odham Nation
Gaming Fund, and Freeport-McMoRan allowed
for the purchase of a walk-in cooler, which
will increase space for produce, greatly needed
for families who generally can’t afford it.
With your generous support, we partner with the
Sahuarita Food Bank, and more than 250 other
organizations throughout Southern Arizona. It’s
with your continued support that we’ll be able
to keep our shelves full, so they can too. 
I want to help the hungry this summer!
Here is my gift of: o $150 o $100 o $50 o $25 o $________
Please charge my gift to: o Visa o MasterCard o AmEx o Discover
Name
o Please don’t publicly recognize my gift.
Card Number
Exp. Date
Address
CVV / Security Code
City/State/Zip
Email
Signature
Make checks payable to: Community Food Bank
P.O. Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726-6727 (520) 622-0525
Give online at communityfoodbank.org
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You help people grow their own food
Grandmothers, families, and young farmers gather to harvest winter crops and plant for the warm season.
Your Urban Farm, Las Milpitas de Cottonwood,
Inspires Neighbors to Eat Healthier
It’s Spring Planting Day at Las
Milpitas Urban Farm. Neighbors
gather to tend their plots, share
ideas, and spend an afternoon
together in the warm Tucson sun.
Danielle works for Zarephath
Christian Church and brings
the kids of the congregation
to learn about gardening and
responsibility. She has Miguel
and Libo with her and both are
jumping for joy. “I like seeing
the huge pile of compost,” says
Miguel, while Libo exclaims, “I
love everything about this place.”
Robin and Mike had always
wanted to garden, but the trailer
they lived in lacked a fence and
irrigation. So instead, they signed
up for a plot and have grown
everything from broccoli to
tomatoes ever since. “It takes time
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The Farm offers a way for people to not only learn
about food production but change dietary habits.
and hard work, but it’s worth
every minute,” says Mike, who
visits each day.
Sitting on six acres on the west
bank of the Santa Cruz River, Las
Milpitas serves the Santa Cruz
Southwest neighborhood, where
many residents don’t have access
to a supermarket and very few
have opportunities to spend time
in nature.
Established in 2010, Las
Milpitas is thriving. It offers 80
gardening plots for community
use. Annually, these plots produce
more than 3,700 pounds of
nutrient-dense vegetables that
can then be sold at any one of the
YOUTH edition APRIL 2015
Community Food Bank
Community Food Bank’s three
farmers’ markets.
Gardeners are not only
producing their own food, but
selling the excess to supplement
their incomes. The Farm offers a
way for people to not only learn
about food production and change
dietary habits, but to become more
financially secure.
Las Milpitas is the perfect
intersection of community and
agriculture. As one gardener,
Timo, says, “It’s a beautiful space
for people from all backgrounds
and generations. Folks here are
invested and happy. You can just
feel it in the air.” 
COVER STORY: SCHOOL pantry
Continued from page 1
Children represent 40% of the clients
served at the Community Food Bank of
Southern Arizona.
You can provide food for children and their
families through the school pantry program.
Your gifts allow them to pick up food in a
welcoming, safe environment on a weekly basis.
reduced priced lunch.
Founded on the principle that if a child is
hungry, it means the whole family is hungry, the
school pantry program allows children and their
families to pick up food in a welcoming, safe
environment on a weekly basis.
Emmanuel Baptist Church partners with
Wright Elementary to
“If the families
assist with the pickup of
nonperishable food and
are well-fed,
other items, including
the students
diapers, from the
do better
Community Food Bank,
in school.”
where it is then taken to
the school and bagged
for students to take home.
Laura Padilla has been the School Community
Liaison at Wright Elementary for six years. Of
the program, she says “It’s been great for the
families. If the families are happy and well-fed,
the students do better in school.”
“Throughout my time at Wright, I’ve seen
families in tremendous need. Parents who
don’t have enough diapers for young ones, one
bedroom apartments shared by many people.
It’s heartbreaking.”
The pantry is just one of the innovative ways
the Community Food Bank serves those in need.
Without it, many of these students would go
home to empty tables. And, the students love
it. One says, “I am happy because I can eat
after school,” while another says, “I am glad
we get this food because my mom doesn’t have
anything to feed us at the end of the month.”
Plans are underway to grow the program with
pantries set to open at both Blenman Elementary
and Southside Community School later this
spring. But, your support is needed now more
than ever to ensure there is enough food to
keep the pantries stocked. 
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GIVING highlights
Farewell to Jim
Long-time volunteer, Jim
Hausman, passed away in lateJanuary. Jim was a volunteer
for a good dozen years and had
worked in the TEFAP Warehouse
and the Administrative areas.
Jim worked three days a week,
up until his last days. He was a
huge supporter of the CFBSA
and will be missed by many. 
Good Vibrations
When it comes to enjoying a party,
Marana Community Food Bank
supporters know how to have
a good time. Good Vibrations,
a 1960’s dance and signature
fundraising event on February
21st was a sensational success.
The event raised $55,000 to
benefit those who visit the Marana
Community Food Bank. 
UA4Food!
For the 11th consecutive
year, UA4Food combined
the efforts of University of
Arizona students, faculty, and
staff to fight hunger. Various
organizations on campus
hold individual food drives,
including Stuff the CatTran
on April 1 and Spring Fling
on April 10. 
Community FOOD consignment program
“The Food Bank makes it
easy to earn extra income.”
Everyone benefits while making
produce widely available.
Shannon St. John runs a farm stand outside her house on
Shannon St. John, like most consignors, is
Tucson’s west side. Twice a week, she opens the doors to sell
happy to see the leftovers go to the Food
some of the fresh produce she grows in her backyard.
Bank. Shannon says, “it’s a good feeling to
You name it, she’s got it: leeks, beets, carrots, spinach,
know that the food you’ve personally grown
is going to those in need.”
collard greens, and radishes, to name a few. She has
chickens producing fresh eggs and fruit trees galore.
And, thanks to the Consignment Program, her fresh, chemical-free produce is available for sale
at our farmers’ markets every week. These markets, the only in town to accept WIC and SNAP
benefits, reach people in the community that might otherwise turn to less expensive, processed
options. “It’s a really great program,” says Shannon. “The Food Bank makes it so easy to sell our
extra stuff and earn extra income. Plus, it takes small farmers’ food to a broader market and
makes it easier for community members to buy chemical-free, healthy produce.” 
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Caridad Graduate job update:
Out of poverty: where are they now?
Your gifts help people,
that are often at the end
of their rope, gain culinary
skills so they can support
themselves & their families.
“The program took a person
who was lost and gave me
direction. The staff went out
of their way for me, and my
future is bright because of
their dedication!”
“My life is being 'put into place'
because of Caridad. They reinforced
skills that helped to break down
my barriers to employment. I
am currently employed, which
has eased my financial stresses
and increased my confidence
level. I thank them deeply.”
—Dena, Class 11, employed
at Cottonwood de Tucson
—Steven, Class 9, employed
at Sutter's Catering Service and
The Salvation Army
“Caridad changed my life. It gave
me the skills and the confidence
I needed to become head cook at
my restaurant. If I had the time,
I would attend again because I
loved it so much.”
“Caridad helped me to feel
very confident about myself
and to get my first job in
the United States. I am
very grateful to the staff
for accepting me into the
program.”
“Caridad has been a place of
encouragement and stability. I will
always be thankful for all the people
I met there, students and faculty
alike. They are not only my peers,
but also my friends.”
—Oanh, Class 7, employed
at The Olive Garden
You can make a
difference today!
Make a financial contribution. Did you know?
For every $1 you give, you help the Food Bank
provide 4 meals to hungry families.
Give online: communityfoodbank.org
Give by mail: Community Food Bank
P.O. Box 26727
Tucson, AZ 85726-6727
—Jeffrey, Class 8, employed at Sauce
—Reyna, Class 12, employed
at Skyline Country Club
Volunteer! Call (520) 882-3292 or email
[email protected].
Schedule a speaker to speak to your organization
or workplace. Call (520) 882-3293.
Schedule a tour. Bring a group to see how your Food
Bank operates. Call (520) 882-3293.
Organize a food drive. It's easy to achieve success
with a food drive! Call Lou Medran (520) 449-8340.
Get connected and follow us online.
Give by phone: (520) 882-3296
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Have you entered the Quilt drawing?
Give a gift & you could win!
(Details on page 2)
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Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Tucson, AZ
Permit No. 1234
april 2015
P.O. Box 26727, Tucson, AZ 85726-6727
(520) 622-0525 (800) 950-8681
[email protected]
communityfoodbank.org
Visit us: 3003 S. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85713
Youth Edition
Hunger doesn’t
take a summer
vacation.
Please donate.
The Community Food Bank receives most of its funding from people like you. Supportive public funding includes:
City of Tucson, Pima County, USDA, Community Development Block Grants and Community Service Block Grants/
Pima County and City of Tucson; Arizona Department of Economic Security/Social Services Block Grant and Arizona
Department of Health Services. Community Food Bank programs provide services to eligible participants without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, handicap, age, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs or gender.
Your support is needed as we prepare for summer months!
“Summer is rough, I have less
money for food to feed my kids.”
Did you know summertime is the busiest time
at the Food Bank? It's hot outside, bills go up.
Kids are out of school, and they get hungry.
Families, seniors, and especially single mothers, like
Ashley, are not looking forward to the months ahead:
"Summer is rough. I must choose between bills or
food for me and my three kids. I'm alone and raising
my children on $10.26/hour. Thank God for the kind
people who donate to the Food Bank. We need the help."
Summertime means children who received free
breakfast and lunch during the school year will now
go without. Families will have to provide 10 extra
meals each week per child. You can turn summer
into a season of caring for our neighbors. 
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