The Vermont Foodbank’s gleaning program has attracted a lot of attention this summer, and for good reason. Gleaning is an ancient tradition that pre-dates biblical times and yet is just as relevant today. You can even say the most of what food banks do is modern-day gleaning. We glean from food manufacturers, grocery stores, restaurants and caterers, but still from farm fields.
Focusing on just 3 of Vermont’s 14 counties, the Vermont Foodbank will glean well over 200,000 lbs. of fresh produce from our farms and orchards and deliver the food directly to some of our 280 statewide partners who directly feed Vermont’s hungry.
Volunteers love to glean, and it does feel good to cut that fresh spinach, or dig those potatoes out of the ground with your bare hands, knowing that it will soon be enjoyed by a neighbor. With a increasing focus on bringing fresh, local food into the charitable food system, gleaning just makes good sense.
A local webcaster has published a short video of the Vermont Foodbank’s gleaning efforts. Give it a look. http://vermonttv.net/
The Vermont Foodbank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Vermont and for the last 23 years has been serving food insecure Vermonters through a network of food shelves, meal sites, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. These are our experiences.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
September is Hunger Action Month
Talk about taking action, more than 400 people just rode thousands of bike-miles to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. (I rode 25 miles and had a blast.) The fundraising window is still open, but close to $75,000 has been raised already. There isn’t a bike-ride fundraiser every day, nor is bike riding for everyone, so what action will you take to help end hunger?
September is national “Hunger Action Month.” Food banks and their supporters all across the country will be challenging themselves and others to take action to end hunger. If you listen to Cash Man, the hunger fighting superhero (www.CashFeedsMore.org) one of the most productive ways to fight hunger is donate cash to your local food shelf, feeding site or food bank. In the words of Cash Man:
There is no such thing as a bad donation, but cash is so much more effective than cans that it just makes sense to donate cash. Watch the Cash Man Rap video for a humorous, musical explanation!
But cash, while put to excellent use and very much appreciated, is not the only way to take action. The Vermont Foodbank’s Fall Newsletter (http://www.vtfoodbank.org/press_room/newsletter/ ) has a calendar list “30 ways in 30 days” to take action to end hunger. Hold a food drive (despite what “Cash Man” says), write your local paper or legislator about hunger in your community, volunteer.
Consider this: if you take action this month, next month, and the month after that, we are one step closer to ending hunger in Vermont and the nation.
Help transform a life. Take action against hunger.
September is national “Hunger Action Month.” Food banks and their supporters all across the country will be challenging themselves and others to take action to end hunger. If you listen to Cash Man, the hunger fighting superhero (www.CashFeedsMore.org) one of the most productive ways to fight hunger is donate cash to your local food shelf, feeding site or food bank. In the words of Cash Man:
There is no such thing as a bad donation, but cash is so much more effective than cans that it just makes sense to donate cash. Watch the Cash Man Rap video for a humorous, musical explanation!
But cash, while put to excellent use and very much appreciated, is not the only way to take action. The Vermont Foodbank’s Fall Newsletter (http://www.vtfoodbank.org/press_room/newsletter/ ) has a calendar list “30 ways in 30 days” to take action to end hunger. Hold a food drive (despite what “Cash Man” says), write your local paper or legislator about hunger in your community, volunteer.
Consider this: if you take action this month, next month, and the month after that, we are one step closer to ending hunger in Vermont and the nation.
Help transform a life. Take action against hunger.
Monday, July 20, 2009
In with the new
Some opportunities that are arising at the Vermont Foodbank have got me thinking about food banking’s changing business model. The historic model is morphing. Donations of food from many sources are decreasing as businesses (food manufacturers and retailers) get more efficient and effective in running their operations, resulting in less “waste.” The slowing economy also means less rescued food from restaurants and catering.
Meanwhile, food banks find themselves competing with the secondary food markets (discount outlets, dollar stores, etc.) for the food that used to come in as donations. Donations are also less diverse – lots of beverage, not enough protein. Thankfully government commodities are increasing, but for how long? In Vermont we find ourselves purchasing more food for distribution, filling in the gaps to ensure a balanced and nutritious food mix for the agencies we supply. And the need keeps increasing.
So how do we think about the goal of “ending hunger in Vermont?” What other business models are out there? The need is constant and keeps growing. Some of the people who patronize food shelves and meal sites are seeking supplemental sources of food, not just temporary emergency food assistance. The federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a monthly box of staples for the pantries of income-eligible seniors. In very rural areas distribution is expensive and difficult, but we need to find ways to supplement the diets of everyone who needs help, not just seniors. How can we do this in a way that gives people food choice, while dealing with the reality that we don’t know what food in coming in from one month to the next? Solutions will have to involve creative partnerships and throwing away old assumptions about how things “should” be done.
After all, what better way to build a stronger society than to make sure each person has the opportunity to transform his or her life?
Meanwhile, food banks find themselves competing with the secondary food markets (discount outlets, dollar stores, etc.) for the food that used to come in as donations. Donations are also less diverse – lots of beverage, not enough protein. Thankfully government commodities are increasing, but for how long? In Vermont we find ourselves purchasing more food for distribution, filling in the gaps to ensure a balanced and nutritious food mix for the agencies we supply. And the need keeps increasing.
So how do we think about the goal of “ending hunger in Vermont?” What other business models are out there? The need is constant and keeps growing. Some of the people who patronize food shelves and meal sites are seeking supplemental sources of food, not just temporary emergency food assistance. The federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a monthly box of staples for the pantries of income-eligible seniors. In very rural areas distribution is expensive and difficult, but we need to find ways to supplement the diets of everyone who needs help, not just seniors. How can we do this in a way that gives people food choice, while dealing with the reality that we don’t know what food in coming in from one month to the next? Solutions will have to involve creative partnerships and throwing away old assumptions about how things “should” be done.
After all, what better way to build a stronger society than to make sure each person has the opportunity to transform his or her life?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The New Philanthropist
“Philanthropy - desire to benefit humanity: a desire to improve the material, social, and spiritual welfare of humanity.”
Philanthropy usually brings to mind very rich people – from the Vanderbilt’s and Rockefellers, to Bill Gates and the “dot.com” millionaires – but we all have the capacity to be philanthropists. Anybody reading this blog is most likely a “charitable giver” already, giving $5, $25, and $100 gifts to different organizations, all of which are worthy. But I see philanthropy as perhaps more focused and thoughtful. What troubles you most about our society? What problem would you most like to see solved? Focus your attention there. Read about the problem and its solutions. Write letters to your local elected representatives. And invest in organizations you find that agree with your ideas about how the problem should be addressed. It can be $20 a month in an automatic withdrawal from your checking account and volunteering 4 times a year, or something more, or something less. The point is to make a commitment and become an advocate for your philanthropic cause.
The Vermont Foodbank might be an excellent focus for you, the new philanthropist. Hunger is a basic need that touches us all. Distributing food so that everyone has access to enough delicious and nutritious food is a humbling yet fulfilling endeavor. The Foobank and our network of more than 270 partners across, along with donors and volunteers served more than 66,000 Vermonters last year--that's more than 10% of Vermont's population.
But hunger is not the only problem that needs a solution. Whether it’s reducing violence in society, providing shelter for people, supporting animal shelters, or preserving wildlife habitat, do something.
There is a change that happens when people feel part of something bigger than themselves. It gives us a connection to the community and the larger world. And the next time someone asks you what you do to help others, you can say, “I’ve become a philanthropist.”
Philanthropy usually brings to mind very rich people – from the Vanderbilt’s and Rockefellers, to Bill Gates and the “dot.com” millionaires – but we all have the capacity to be philanthropists. Anybody reading this blog is most likely a “charitable giver” already, giving $5, $25, and $100 gifts to different organizations, all of which are worthy. But I see philanthropy as perhaps more focused and thoughtful. What troubles you most about our society? What problem would you most like to see solved? Focus your attention there. Read about the problem and its solutions. Write letters to your local elected representatives. And invest in organizations you find that agree with your ideas about how the problem should be addressed. It can be $20 a month in an automatic withdrawal from your checking account and volunteering 4 times a year, or something more, or something less. The point is to make a commitment and become an advocate for your philanthropic cause.
The Vermont Foodbank might be an excellent focus for you, the new philanthropist. Hunger is a basic need that touches us all. Distributing food so that everyone has access to enough delicious and nutritious food is a humbling yet fulfilling endeavor. The Foobank and our network of more than 270 partners across, along with donors and volunteers served more than 66,000 Vermonters last year--that's more than 10% of Vermont's population.
But hunger is not the only problem that needs a solution. Whether it’s reducing violence in society, providing shelter for people, supporting animal shelters, or preserving wildlife habitat, do something.
There is a change that happens when people feel part of something bigger than themselves. It gives us a connection to the community and the larger world. And the next time someone asks you what you do to help others, you can say, “I’ve become a philanthropist.”
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Why am I here?
Why am I here? Not in the existential sense, but how did I end up at the Vermont Foodbank and why does it feel so right to be here? Mom and Dad both grew up on farms in Minnesota, and my Dad’s parents lost their farm in the Great Depression, experiencing what we now call “food insecurity.” Both my parents had long left the farm (I was raised in suburban Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C. and we never even had a garden) when I was born. Ours was a family with 5 kids, and there was always food to eat. But I remember Mom stretching - mixing fresh milk with powdered, avoiding expensive prepared food, buying in bulk and freezing, sometimes making preserves and even baking her own bread every week.
I was raised in a house where whole foods were turned into meals and not much was wasted. It was also a house that practiced respect and compassion for others. I learned from experience that all people had something positive to offer in our society. Our house was full of all kinds of people, not just people like us, and we were frequently doing things to help others. That was just the way it was, and here at the Vermont Foodbank it’s just the way it is, and I am surrounded by people who clearly have the same vision and heart. We do things that help other people because that is the way we live our lives, whether at work, home or in our communities.
That’s why I’m here.
I was raised in a house where whole foods were turned into meals and not much was wasted. It was also a house that practiced respect and compassion for others. I learned from experience that all people had something positive to offer in our society. Our house was full of all kinds of people, not just people like us, and we were frequently doing things to help others. That was just the way it was, and here at the Vermont Foodbank it’s just the way it is, and I am surrounded by people who clearly have the same vision and heart. We do things that help other people because that is the way we live our lives, whether at work, home or in our communities.
That’s why I’m here.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Big Dunk
DISCLAIMER: Please bear with me as I find my voice in the world of blogging and slither out of my lawyer and government manager skins. Using the technical advocate voice just isn’t as effective in reaching people’s hearts as it was testifying at the legislature, or appearing on a panel talking about utility regulation.
My new life at the Foodbank led me to the dunk tank on Saturday, taking the splash a couple dozen times at the Barre Town School for Family Fun Day. People keep commenting on what a “good sport” I am, but who could complain about having some wonderful kids dunk me in a heated tank for a good cause? The school principal followed me, and they gave him a squirt gun for protection. I guess I didn’t know enough to be scared.
I am so impressed by the work of the Barre Town students who organized Family Fun Day. I will be speaking with them tonight, and I can’t wait to thank them. They are an incredible example of what can happen when a group of thoughtful, concerned, hardworking people put their minds and hearts to something. I look forward to seeing where their paths take them in the future—our community is lucky to have such a special group of kids!
I followed the dunk tank up with an unveiling of the sign at the Foodbank’s Kingsbury Farm. It looks like we might have to evict a few groundhogs, but I think that spreading awareness of hunger, and its solutions, in Vermont and growing fresh, nutritious food will make all the effort worthwhile. Maybe we can sponsor a contest for the best impersonation of Bill Murray in “Caddyshack,” although I’m not sure our groundhogs are quite so clever.
My new life at the Foodbank led me to the dunk tank on Saturday, taking the splash a couple dozen times at the Barre Town School for Family Fun Day. People keep commenting on what a “good sport” I am, but who could complain about having some wonderful kids dunk me in a heated tank for a good cause? The school principal followed me, and they gave him a squirt gun for protection. I guess I didn’t know enough to be scared.
I am so impressed by the work of the Barre Town students who organized Family Fun Day. I will be speaking with them tonight, and I can’t wait to thank them. They are an incredible example of what can happen when a group of thoughtful, concerned, hardworking people put their minds and hearts to something. I look forward to seeing where their paths take them in the future—our community is lucky to have such a special group of kids!
I followed the dunk tank up with an unveiling of the sign at the Foodbank’s Kingsbury Farm. It looks like we might have to evict a few groundhogs, but I think that spreading awareness of hunger, and its solutions, in Vermont and growing fresh, nutritious food will make all the effort worthwhile. Maybe we can sponsor a contest for the best impersonation of Bill Murray in “Caddyshack,” although I’m not sure our groundhogs are quite so clever.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Growing, Graduating and Planning for the Future
I just had the opportunity to appear on the WCAX morning news to talk about their “Grow an Extra Row” initiative (a partnership between the Agency of Agriculture, City Market, and High Mowing Organic Seeds), which encourages local gardeners to grow an extra row of produce and donate it to their local food pantry. It is a great way to get involved by doing something you love. You can get in contact with your nearest food pantry by going to the Vermont Foodbank website at www.vtfoodbank.org and clicking on “find a food shelf.” Fresh produce from your garden is a nutritious and great-tasting addition to your local pantry’s shelves, and it is a wonderful way to get involved. You can learn more abou this initiative at http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10278787
This being graduation season, it is also great timing for the first graduation of the Community Kitchen program at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. The program is a partnership between the food shelf, the Vermont Foodbank, and the state of Vermont that provided 14 weeks of culinary training to seven women who were unemployed or underemployed. Two are moving directly to full-time jobs and five will be taking advanced culinary training at the New England Culinary Institute. Congratulation to the graduates! The next class is starting soon, and the Vermont Foodbank hopes to expand the program to other locations as we can.
I am also participating in a statewide conference today on the “Future of Vermont” sponsored by the Vermont Center for Rural Development. Participants from across the state will be discussing what priorities and policies make sense for Vermont in the next generation. I will be in a small group discussing an economic development plan. As our COO, Ed Fox, once told me, “The most important thing we can do for hungry Vermonters is make sure good jobs are available throughout the state so that everyone can put food on their tables, a roof over their heads and heat in their homes.” Let’s hope we make some progress! To read the full “Future of Vermont” report visit www.futureofvermont.org
This being graduation season, it is also great timing for the first graduation of the Community Kitchen program at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. The program is a partnership between the food shelf, the Vermont Foodbank, and the state of Vermont that provided 14 weeks of culinary training to seven women who were unemployed or underemployed. Two are moving directly to full-time jobs and five will be taking advanced culinary training at the New England Culinary Institute. Congratulation to the graduates! The next class is starting soon, and the Vermont Foodbank hopes to expand the program to other locations as we can.
I am also participating in a statewide conference today on the “Future of Vermont” sponsored by the Vermont Center for Rural Development. Participants from across the state will be discussing what priorities and policies make sense for Vermont in the next generation. I will be in a small group discussing an economic development plan. As our COO, Ed Fox, once told me, “The most important thing we can do for hungry Vermonters is make sure good jobs are available throughout the state so that everyone can put food on their tables, a roof over their heads and heat in their homes.” Let’s hope we make some progress! To read the full “Future of Vermont” report visit www.futureofvermont.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
