Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
October 5, 2017Healthy Pantry Highlight
Author: Agency Relations & Programs Team
Second Harvest Food Bank has been working hard to contribute to the Central Florida community’s health and wellness. Because food insecurity is one of the leading factors contributing to chronic disease and illness among people who are low income and living in poverty Second Harvest created my position as the Healthy Pantry Network Coordinator through a West Orange Healthcare District grant. The focus of the grant is for our partner agencies within the footprint of the West Orange Health District. However every pantry in our agency network is able and encouraged to contact me about information and guidance to improve the health status of their pantry. Since the beginning of this grant the pantry at St. Andrews Catholic Church has been working closely with me to implement as many health upgrades to their pantry as they can. They’ve been extremely receptive and interested in the nutrition information for their client’s food bags and we’ve been able to communicate about healthier foods for their homeless population. They’ve also had UF/IFAS Extension’s Family and Nutrition Program come out to their food distributions to provide nutrition education to their clients. This coming winter they will take part in a Request For Proposals (RFP) training where they will have the opportunity to apply for more equipment that will expand their pantry’s capacity to distribute a larger quantity of healthier foods.
If you are interested in nutrition resources for your pantry you can find a nutrition resources tab on Second Harvest’s partner website. Also feel free to contact me and use me as a tool to expand your pantry’s growth in health and wellness.
Rachel Stankiewitch
Important Reminder about Disaster Relief
Author: Agency Relations & Programs Team
As part of the Feeding America Network, Second Harvest and other food banks across the country stand ready to support the recovery phase of the flooding caused by the storm.
Please remember that, per your Memorandum of Agreement with Second Harvest, agencies cannot use Second Harvest/USDA product for relief efforts outside of Central Florida:
Distribution is limited to use in the area that the agency serves, specifically Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties. Under no circumstances can product obtained from SHFB leave the designated county.
The easiest and most effective way to give back to the victims remains a financial donation directly to the Houston Food Bank or Feeding Texas. Sending any goods to the affected areas in an uncoordinated way is likely to contribute to the ‘disaster within a disaster’ that often results in these situations.
To donate to the Houston Food Bank, visit www.houstonfoodbank.org
To donate to Feeding Texas, visit www.feedingtexas.org
August 6, 2017New Beginnings for the Grays
Author: Agency Relations & Programs Team
After over 9 years of dedicated service, Erin Gray has left Second Harvest Food Bank. Many of you remember Erin as an Agency Relations Coordinator, Manager and your biggest cheerleader. Erin gave so much of herself to this mission and we will really miss her passion, infectious smile and joyful laugh. The Agency Relations Team as well as the Second Harvest Family are very grateful for Erin’s leadership, passion for this organization and her support for not only staff but for the Partner Agencies.
Erin and her husband Todd recently brought 2 beautiful children to Florida from out-of-state as foster, and soon to be adoptive parents. They have become amazing parents to 5 Year Old Autumn and 4 Year Old Jayden. This has been a dream come true for the Grays as they always wanted to start a family.
Erin Gray started at Second Harvest in 2008 as an Agency Relation’s Coordinator, and became the Agency Relations Manager in 2009. She instantly fell in love with the Second Harvest’s mission and vision and was thrilled to be part of the Second Harvest family.
June 8, 2017Mission Market Promotes Healthier Eating for Their Clients
Author: Agency Relations & Programs TeamCatholic Charities Food Pantry has undergone a makeover.
When clients enter the food pantry at Catholic Charities, commonly referred to now as Mission Market, they are suddenly immersed into the bustling streets of a farmer’s market.
The new pantry promotes client choice, with fresh produce displayed in a warm and inviting way, showcasing all the colors of a rainbow.
Clients can walk through the doors and see to their right hefty amounts of produce abundantly displayed, and to their left a tall shelf full of various grains.
Health and nutrition education material, available in English and Spanish, hang on a wall on the left side of the room
This new pantry model promotes health and wellness for the clients served at Catholic Charities. Vision and support from Senior Director of Operations, Julie Yetter, and the tireless energy of their Food and Facilities Ministry Manager, John Bonfiglio, have made this transition not just possible, but successful.
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