August 2012 Newsletter
Content
INSIDE
Volunteers Collaborate at Pantries Family Rises Out of Chronic Hunger Food is Fuel Kids Campaign Ending Thanks to OnStaff, WRKR & Credit Union Recognizing Business Donors Looking for Local Growers AUGUST 2012
Fast Facts
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO FEED A CHILD
The Dollar Drive-Thru—sponsored by OnStaff Group and WRKR—just ended and raised more than $7,300 to help feed children in Kalamazoo County. That’s usually all you’ll hear about an event, however this went much deeper and reminded me of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” All day long, donors gave what they could to support our local children. We heard from folks that experienced hard times themselves in the past and were now able to give back. We heard from some who were still struggling yet chose to give the change in their pockets. We saw children holding dollars out the car window as proud parents watched through the rear view mirror. We saw examples all day long of heartfelt giving. The day was never about getting just donations. It was the collective understanding by all who participated that no child should go a day without food in Kalamazoo County. That day, and many days like that this summer, people have asked what they could do to help. To all of you, I just want to say...thank you. Thanks to OnStaff Group and WRKR (Mike, Stefani and Mark) for making sure hungry kids aren’t forgotten. Thanks to Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, GreenStreet Marketing, and Adams Outdoor Advertising for our billboard campaign, which literally raised childhood hunger off the ground and said that hunger is not a game for local kids. Thanks to the more than 450 volunteers a week who answer calls, help distribute more than 200,000 lbs. of food each month, and work long hours at our Grocery Pantry sites so that hungry people have multiple ways to access food. And thanks to our donors. As we see all year round, both big and small donations count in the fight against hunger. What we saw on this special day is what keeps us going every day. It really does take a village to feed a child. And it’s because of you that we can continue this work.
One in four kids in Kalamazoo County live below the poverty level.
Over 650 kids receive food every week through our Weekend Food Pack Program.
More than 10,500 people received food through our Grocery Pantry Program in June 2012—an all-time record.
STORY OF SURVIVAL: FAMILY RISES OUT OF CHRONIC HUNGER
For many people experiencing food insecurity, it’s very difficult to ever get out of that cycle. But for at least one local family, they made that happen in part by coming to KLF when they were in need. Sarah* is a former KLF client and is now one of our donors. After a job transfer brought her husband and their three children to West Michigan, they found their income wasn’t stretching far enough to meet their basic needs.
They heard about KLF through the local WIC office and overcame the embarrassment of asking for help. Their family received the food they needed, as well as friendly smiles at our pantry. They are now able to donate to KLF so we can support more families in need. “I’m glad you’re there to help us regular working folks put food on the table when there just isn’t quite enough left in the bank after paying the bills,” said Sarah. The “new normal” of who’s hungry includes the recently unemployed or under-employed: people who work but don’t earn enough to cover their basic needs. We are routinely serving nearly 900 people per day when just a few years ago, 200 people felt busy.
Many of the people we’re serving have never sought food assistance before, or have called KLF in the past and never thought they’d need to again. A majority of our clients use our services once every few years, but it’s now common to hear from the same family every month or so, saying their resources don’t last as long and they need help. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving food assistance, please call us at 343-FOOD (3663). We offer a dignity-based service that’s based on your selfdeclaration of need. We are here to help.
*Name has been changed for anonymity.
VOLUNTEERS COLLABORATE TO FEED HUNGRY PEOPLE
All of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Grocery Pantry sites are staffed by dedicated volunteers who manage everything from volunteer schedules to ordering food. Since many pantries are located in churches, volunteer groups usually consist of members of that church. However, that model is changing. KLF is experiencing a new trend where volunteers from different churches and local companies are all working together in the same space. This is happening at numerous pantry sites, including New Genesis, Westwood Christian Reformed Church, Mary Melzer pantry, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Sunnyside United Methodist Church, and many more. Volunteers at Sunnyside on Gull Road include Sunnyside congregation members, members from the Lutheran Church of the Savior, Bethel Reformed Church, and Hope Reformed Church, as well as a group of Pfizer employees. This unique collaboration creates a diverse group of volunteers who all rally around the common ted in goal of feeding hungry people. interes “These volunteers are committed to our pAntry re you ing At A mission and are willing to go where the need g back eer d in givin volunt intereste g with is,” said Deb Josephson, services coordinator is roup that olunteerin nts s about v part of a g at KLF. And that need is growing rapidly—KLF tu clie re you an assist y ? Contac ommunit ere you c is expecting a 35% increase in service for 2012. to the c ogram wh Pantr y Pr The Sunnyside pantry is able to serve up to 20 ir family. Grocer y our od for the op” for fo h households each day, four days a week, because of as they “s tor, at coordina the amount of available volunteers. olunteer v Winther, “Collaboration is all about easing up on e details. all L aura 9 for mor ext. 20 the volunteers’ time,” said Meg Bowen, pantry 48 8 -2617 coordinator at Sunnyside. “It’s not about church
affiliations or denominations— it’s about plugging people in where they’re needed. “We’re like a family. There’s concern for our group of workers and for the clients who become familiar Tuesday and Thursday volunteers at faces. They’re more Sunnyside United Methodist Church than just a name on paper—they’re our neighbors and it truly does take a community to care for one another. We get as much out of it as the clients do. The pantry makes a huge difference to thousands of people and we’re a part of that."
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FOOD IS FUEL ENDING BUT KIDS ARE STILL HUNGRY
alamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Food is Fuel Kids Campaign is coming to a close on Aug. 31, but you can still help us reach thousands of hungry kids throughout the year. Just as hunger doesn’t take a vacation once summer begins, it doesn’t stop when school’s back in session. Locally, one in four kids live below the poverty level and that number’s only expected to grow. KLF operates programs specifically designed to reach these kids at school and in their neighborhood, and we need your help to keep them going. KLF accepts food and fund donations at our facility at 901 Portage St. every weekday from 8 am—3:30 pm. On our website, www.kzoolf.org, you can find suggestions for how to successfully hold your own food drive at your church, school, workplace, or in your neighborhood.
us f J oi e or to le n K L F a veni nd t arn ng o an he S m or u oc e you about w ia l Ch t! a rit ca n hat y g et Thu i n v o w e d o a C i r c le r sd nd h lv e d ay, c or ow . ne r Sky Aug. 2 of E 3, 6 Dec . d o w M ic h i k ba r - 9 p m nt o w g a n n K a nd S a la m . E $10 do n a z o dw a r d o prov ation s ided for o by t ne dr C or pora he Ree ink dy t io n
Join
DID YOU SEE OUR BILLBOARDS?
Thanks to a partnership with Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union (KCFCU), Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was featured on 12 billboards throughout the community this summer. This was also in partnership with GreenStreet Marketing and Adams Outdoor Advertising.
"DOLLAR DRIVE THRU” HELPS HUNGRY KIDS
Our latest effort at feeding hungry kids was a huge success with more than $7,300 raised to support our Food is Fuel Kids Campaign! The “Dollar Drive-Thru” on July 11 brought hundreds of supporters to four locations throughout Kalamazoo County to help feed kids in need. With every $1 donation, a child can eat for a day. This event was made possible due to a partnership with OnStaff Group and WRKR 107.7 FM. Thanks to them, we are now able to better support our programs that support kids and their families. If you weren’t able to make it out on July 11 and would still like to donate, you can do so online at www.kzoolf.org/ donate, in person or by mail to 901 Portage St., or at a variety of upcoming events. Thanks again to OnStaff, The Rocker, and everyone who came out on July 11 to fight childhood hunger with us! We hope this becomes an annual event, so look for us next summer during the next Dollar Drive-Thru day.
We needed to spread the message that hunger is not a game for local kids in need, and the generous people at KCFCU helped us do that. “When KCFCU learned the need for donations is highest in the summer months, we knew we wanted to help,” said Susan Balbaugh, senior marketing manager for KCFCU. By getting the word out that we need to fight local childhood hunger, we can potentially stop it before it happens. Thank you to all the companies and their employees who supported Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes and hungry kids this summer.
Join the Loaves & Fishes Team
Interested in helping Kalamazoo become a hunger-free community? We’ve got a place for you! Attend an orientation meeting to get started. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES: Saturday, August 11 Thursday, August 23 Saturday, September 8 Thursday, September 27 Sign up with our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Winther: 269/488-2617, ext. 209 [email protected]
!
GROW IT—GIVE IT PRODUCE PROGRAM: LOOKING FOR LOCAL GROWERS
A partnership between Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes and volunteers at St. Catherine’s Church have started canvassing the area for local growers willing to donate their surplus produce to our programs. This group will collect, transport and deliver your donated produce items directly to local senior housing sites and other agencies. Donations that weigh 25 lbs. or more can be picked up. If you are a local grower and are interested in donating some of your fresh produce to help those in need, please call St. Catherines directly at 327-5165.
BIG CUTS TO FARM BILL WILL IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY
Both public and non-profit nutrition assistance programs are under threat right now as Congress works to reauthorize the 2012/13 Food & Farm Bill. This is our nation's largest piece of legislation concerning the food we grow, produce, purchase and eat.
It affects all of us—from farmers, to students, to the average grocery store shopper. KLF is closely watching the congressional process because many of our community members will be impacted by the outcome. The Senate Agriculture Committee has proposed nearly $5 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps). The House Agriculture Committee has proposed even larger cuts to SNAP—$16 billion over ten
years. At KLF, we believe that any cuts to nutrition assistance programs would severely undermine the food security safety net that thousands of people in Kalamazoo County rely on for essential nutrition. Urge your representatives to preserve current funding for food assistance programs. Links to representative’s phone numbers and addresses can be found at www. kzoolf.org, as well as more information about the Farm Bill.
FOOD WISH LIST
August:
Fresh & canned fruit
KLF August giving Coupon
AUGUST 2012 COUPON #109
AMOUNT $ _______________ Do local kids have all their school supplies ready? Backpack, check. Pencil, check. Calculator, check. What about three meals every day? Please send your contribution by August 27.
September:
Fresh produce Foods high in protein (6 grams or more) are always needed in our warehouse, too.
KLF september giving Coupon
SEPTEMBER
2012
AMOUNT $ _______________ It’s fresh produce month! Donate potatoes, carrots, apples, or beans from your home garden, commercial farm, or local store. Please send your contribution by September 24.
COUPON #110
THANK YOU TO BUSINESS DONORS AND BUSINESS IN-KIND SUPPORTERS
In our Food for Thought newsletter, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes categorically recognizes some of our recent supporters. Local businesses and companies provide valued support to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes through the donations of food and funds. Employees rally together to collect food donations and business owners support our mission through their generous gifts. These are the businesses that gave between 7/1/2011 and 6/30/2012.
Businesses/ Companies
Aaron Wilson DDS Adult & Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat PLC Advance America Adventures Learning Centers Alta Resources Ample Pantry Anderson Bros. Steamatic Angelo’s Italian Eatery West Antoniotti Chiropractic Apple Bus Area Wide Transport Artistic Edge Salon AT&T Advertising Employees Autobody USA Awake & Aware Yoga Studio B.A.S.I.C. Bank of America Beadventure Bear-Foot Farms Bernatche School of Dance Big Lots Borgess Health Borgess Research Institute Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice Bova Bakery Brink, Key & Chludzinski, PC Bronson Athletic Club Bronson Healthcare Group Brookdale Senior Living Butterball Turkey Gift Program Capital Access Care One Home Health Services Carl Walker, Inc. Caro Foodliner Celery City Soap Charter Communications Chartwell Financial Management ChemLink Child and Family Psychological Services Clorox Company Foundation Employee Giving
Campaign Cole Gavlas, PC Comprehensive Care Services, PA Comstock Tower Apt. Confections with Convictions Construction Labor Services Consumers Credit Union Consumers Energy Continental Lanes Cool Runnings Ice Cream Co. Corey Lake Orchards Curves for Women D&W Fresh Market DeNooyer Chevrolet Devon Title Co. Dollar General Dr. Goodman DDS Drew Telecom Group Druskovich Brothers Farms Eaton Corp. Eco Lawn Care Edwards Industrial Sales Eimo Technologies Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses Encore Publishing Group Enterprise Rent-A-Car Experis Exteriors of Kalamazoo Fifth Third Bank First Community Credit Union First National Bank of Michigan Fitness Yoga Fletcher’s Pub Flowserve Corp. The Fountains at Bronson Place Friendship Village Galesburg Meat Co. Gastroenterology of SW MI Gazelle Sports George’s Appliance Gordon Food Service Grand Valley Co-Op Credit Union Grapevine Furniture Graphic Packaging International Great Lakes Caring Gruizenga Home Inspections H&B Market Handyman Services
Hardings Friendly Market Healthcare Midwest Healthy Family Chiropractic Hearthside Apt. Horizon Bank Housler Restaurants Husted Farm Market Hydrate Salon & Spa Identities Hair Salon I’m Your IT Improved Funding Techniques Intentional Yoga J.C. Penney Jansen Valk Thompson & Reahm, PC JBS Meatpacking JP Morgan Chase Matching Gifts Program Kaiser Aluminum Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital Kalamazoo Sportswear Kalsec, Inc. Keith R. Konvalinka DDS Keller-Williams Realty Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union Keystone Community Bank The Kitchen Shop Knappen Milling Kozar Construction Kzoo Music Scene L&S Assoc. L.D. Docsa Assoc. Lake Forest Apt. Lake Michigan Credit Union Landd Development Lennard Ag Lewis Reed & Allen, PC Life EMS Little Caesars Little Chick Shoe Shop Lorraine D. Hanna DDS LVM Capital Management Mall City Containers Martin & Associates Environmental Medallion Management The Med Joint
Community Compassion Center Meijer Memories Ink’d Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Mid-America Psychological Services Millennium Restaurant Group of Kalamazoo Miller Johnson Attorneys and Counselors Miller-Davis Mol-Son Morgan Stanley Nelson Hardware Noodles & Company Ob-Gyn, PC OnStaff USA Papa’s Italian Sausage Paw Paw Wine Distributors Pease Packing Corp. People’s Food Co-Op Pepsi Bottling Group of Kalamazoo Persons Auto Repair Pfizer Pinewood Glen Apt. Pipedream Glass PNC Bank Pro Services Progressive Insurance Promotion Concepts Prudential Preferred Realtors Quality Air Service Rajzer Farms Richard-Allan Scientific Robinson Industries Rollerworld Rose Street Advisors Ross Medical Russell Farm Greenhouse S&L Transportation Sangha Yoga Sanitor Manufacturing Co. Sawall Health Foods Scholten Kitchens & Bath Schultz’s Fruitridge Farms Schupan & Sons Scobey’s Produce Seyburn & Associates, PLC SignArt Skyline Vineyards and Orchards
Sleep Care Supplies & Equipment SolSpring Southwest Michigan Credit Union Southwest Michigan Imaging Center Spartan Stores State Farm Insurance States Golf Course Steeg & Glista, PC Strategic Solutions Stryker Instruments Stryker Worldwide Headquarters Studio 33 Summer Ridge Apt. Summit Polymers Sunrise Yoga Super Book The Surgical Group of SW MI Theresa & John Spurr DDS PLC Thermo Fisher Scientific Think Farm True-Tech Industries Two Men and a Truck Unified Brands Unique Eats United Nursing Service Van Sweden Jewelers Van’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Villas of Stonehenge Visser Construction W.W. Grainger Walnut Manor Farms Water Street Coffee Joint Weight Watchers Welch’s Westport Village Condominiums Western Michigan University Bookstore Westnedge Family Dentistry WOTM WT Chen & Co.
Business In-Kind Supporters
Business in-kind supporters are those that support Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes through the donation of food, products, or services. Many of these businesses have contributed to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes for decades because they too desire a hunger-free community.
Big Apple Bagels CRT, Inc. Dave’s Security Corp. Great Harvest Bread Griffin Pest Control Hardings Friendly Market Lindsey Dedicated Services Mall City Containers Overhead Door Company of Kalamazoo Pepperidge Farms Pro Glassworks Robert E. Boot Agency Sarkozy Bakery
Thank you to these businesses for your support. Your spirit of giving creates a community where we help each other. In the October Food for Thought newsletter, we’ll recognize civic groups, non-profits, unions, schools, foundations, and government entities that have recently donated to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Please contact us if you believe you were wrongfully omitted from this list.
NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID KALAMAZOO MI PERMIT NO. 1693
901 PORTAGE STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005 FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663 P 269/488-2617 · F 269/343-3669 WWW.KZOOLF.ORG
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.
Our Mission
Our Values
Compassion Respect Justice Integrity Advocacy
Wesley Foster Michael Neevel Rochelle Thompson Donald F. Cudahy Carl Fry, Jr. Gwen & Wendell Jan Tiderington’s Ida Cutshaw Jan Andersen Dottie Geis Nielsen’s nephews birthday Woodie DeBack Jan Anderton Debbie Gillespie Oral Roberts University Carolyn Tyler Joseph Dillon Joy Anderton Tom Bennett’s birthday Michael & Beth Gillespie David & Carol Overton’s Maxine Vincent’s 88th Lucille Dillon 50th anniversary birthday Ken Dingman Jessica Black’s birthday The Holy Trinity Jim Pino’s birthday Shirley & Frank Wise’s Chuck & Leota Duffield Linda Black’s birthday Katie Howard’s 1st communion Jan Roadhouse’s anniversary Robert Eager, Sr. Robert Black birthday Mary Beth Woods Charles Erickson Mike & Carol Blalock’s Richard Hutson Cindy Wilde & Sam Joan Everts wedding anniversary Aly Jessel & Troy Fassbender’s Salisbury’s marriage IN MEMORY OF… John P. Flynn Neil Brand marriage Sally & John Sather’s Barbara Foster Bronson Methodist marriage Robert P. Amrhein Carl A. Fry, Sr. Hospital’s medical Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ 30th Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Cy Beer Lorna Gibson staff anniversary Schrock’s 70th Nancie Bigler Dave Gray Shirley Bumgardner anniversary Bill Borgman Ethel Hartman & Sharon Dickey’s Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ receptionists Judy Shrimplin David Breay’s father Dr. Clayton Holaday birthdays Patrecia Breen Arthur & Helen Dorothy Butch’s 80th Kalamazoo Loaves & Victor Siemers Fishes’ volunteers Lois & Gay Smith’s 60th Pat Brown Hopfinger birthday Susan Lake anniversary Floyd & Helen Burkey Charles & Phyllis Hord’s Susan Caulfield’s Sam Lealofi Bonnie Snow’s 65th Richard Burlington parents birthday Anne Wend Lipsey birthday Bruce L. Burrows Ruthann Humphrey Nancy Diment Minister Jim F. Miller Nicholas & Tessa Chester & Bertha Castle Marcia Jackson Bertha & Charles Maxine & Theron Stauffer Barbara Clark Mr. Frank Jarvis Fenwick’s 60th Mosey’s 50th Texas Corners Bible Gene Clysdale Walt Jasiak anniversary anniversary Church Patricia Coleman Avis Keene Alan Forrester
5/1/2012 – 7/2/2012 Special thanks to those who honor friends and family through contributions to KLF. Donald Thall Helen E. Contessa Richard Keene Dorothy Rothrock IN HONOR OF… Anndrea, Dan, Nora & Andrew, Emily &
Marguerite Kolb William D. Lorentz Charles Ludlow Linda Renauld Lutz Patrick McCormick Terri Mellinger Raymond Milot Harry & Dorothy Miner Kathy Mizeur Margaret “Peggy” Moors Harold Oliver Thomas Oorbeck Frank Ossiff, Jr. Ernest & Anita Pettinga Gerald L. Pochyla Dina Rajzer Charles Ray Jim Reish Jessica Renauld Oswald & Alvina Renauld Brian Rife Roy & Eloise Robinson Darlene Kay Rodgers John Ross
TRIBUTES
Carol Sakstrup James H. Schaap Carol Schaberg Marilyn Scheel Martin & Emma Schmitt Siegfried Sholder Joani Siwik Ilze I. Smidchens Floyd Smith Jerry Lee Smith Ginger Snyder Carol Stamm Doug & Marie Renauld Stone Beatrice Stoops Pauline Stoppelberg Jim Sullivan Lawrence Summerville Jerry Taylor Jose Toxias John Vermeulen Ali & Geri Vickery Roon Visser Virginia Westley Wesley C. Whiffin Virginia “Ginny” Wilson Faye & Walt Zinter
211 213 214 224 208 201 206 218 222 209
Board of Directors
Patricia Carlin Bob Ezelle Alan Harbaugh Mike Henderson Lynn Jessel Cheryl Knapp Robert Lohrmann Elizabeth Makohn Harvey Myers Helen Norris Maija Petersons Stacey Randolph Martha Ream Martha Simpson Jan Tiderington
Staff / Business Office
269/488-2617 Joan Atwell, Call Center Lead Art Cole, Services Director Pat Early, Warehouse Assistant George Geissel, Bookkeeper Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director Dave Hafer, Warehouse Assistant Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director EXT. 201 207 211 222 212 211 210
Mary Hutchins, Warehouse Coordinator Jennifer Johnson, Resource Dev. & Public Relations Director Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator Marvin King, Warehouse Director Anne Wend Lipsey, Executive Director Ruth Matteson, Call Center Lead Jon Riccio, Donor Database Coordinator Kimberly Schoetzow, Communications Coordinator Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator Laura Winther, Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers Collaborate at Pantries Family Rises Out of Chronic Hunger Food is Fuel Kids Campaign Ending Thanks to OnStaff, WRKR & Credit Union Recognizing Business Donors Looking for Local Growers AUGUST 2012
Fast Facts
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO FEED A CHILD
The Dollar Drive-Thru—sponsored by OnStaff Group and WRKR—just ended and raised more than $7,300 to help feed children in Kalamazoo County. That’s usually all you’ll hear about an event, however this went much deeper and reminded me of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” All day long, donors gave what they could to support our local children. We heard from folks that experienced hard times themselves in the past and were now able to give back. We heard from some who were still struggling yet chose to give the change in their pockets. We saw children holding dollars out the car window as proud parents watched through the rear view mirror. We saw examples all day long of heartfelt giving. The day was never about getting just donations. It was the collective understanding by all who participated that no child should go a day without food in Kalamazoo County. That day, and many days like that this summer, people have asked what they could do to help. To all of you, I just want to say...thank you. Thanks to OnStaff Group and WRKR (Mike, Stefani and Mark) for making sure hungry kids aren’t forgotten. Thanks to Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, GreenStreet Marketing, and Adams Outdoor Advertising for our billboard campaign, which literally raised childhood hunger off the ground and said that hunger is not a game for local kids. Thanks to the more than 450 volunteers a week who answer calls, help distribute more than 200,000 lbs. of food each month, and work long hours at our Grocery Pantry sites so that hungry people have multiple ways to access food. And thanks to our donors. As we see all year round, both big and small donations count in the fight against hunger. What we saw on this special day is what keeps us going every day. It really does take a village to feed a child. And it’s because of you that we can continue this work.
One in four kids in Kalamazoo County live below the poverty level.
Over 650 kids receive food every week through our Weekend Food Pack Program.
More than 10,500 people received food through our Grocery Pantry Program in June 2012—an all-time record.
STORY OF SURVIVAL: FAMILY RISES OUT OF CHRONIC HUNGER
For many people experiencing food insecurity, it’s very difficult to ever get out of that cycle. But for at least one local family, they made that happen in part by coming to KLF when they were in need. Sarah* is a former KLF client and is now one of our donors. After a job transfer brought her husband and their three children to West Michigan, they found their income wasn’t stretching far enough to meet their basic needs.
They heard about KLF through the local WIC office and overcame the embarrassment of asking for help. Their family received the food they needed, as well as friendly smiles at our pantry. They are now able to donate to KLF so we can support more families in need. “I’m glad you’re there to help us regular working folks put food on the table when there just isn’t quite enough left in the bank after paying the bills,” said Sarah. The “new normal” of who’s hungry includes the recently unemployed or under-employed: people who work but don’t earn enough to cover their basic needs. We are routinely serving nearly 900 people per day when just a few years ago, 200 people felt busy.
Many of the people we’re serving have never sought food assistance before, or have called KLF in the past and never thought they’d need to again. A majority of our clients use our services once every few years, but it’s now common to hear from the same family every month or so, saying their resources don’t last as long and they need help. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving food assistance, please call us at 343-FOOD (3663). We offer a dignity-based service that’s based on your selfdeclaration of need. We are here to help.
*Name has been changed for anonymity.
VOLUNTEERS COLLABORATE TO FEED HUNGRY PEOPLE
All of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Grocery Pantry sites are staffed by dedicated volunteers who manage everything from volunteer schedules to ordering food. Since many pantries are located in churches, volunteer groups usually consist of members of that church. However, that model is changing. KLF is experiencing a new trend where volunteers from different churches and local companies are all working together in the same space. This is happening at numerous pantry sites, including New Genesis, Westwood Christian Reformed Church, Mary Melzer pantry, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Sunnyside United Methodist Church, and many more. Volunteers at Sunnyside on Gull Road include Sunnyside congregation members, members from the Lutheran Church of the Savior, Bethel Reformed Church, and Hope Reformed Church, as well as a group of Pfizer employees. This unique collaboration creates a diverse group of volunteers who all rally around the common ted in goal of feeding hungry people. interes “These volunteers are committed to our pAntry re you ing At A mission and are willing to go where the need g back eer d in givin volunt intereste g with is,” said Deb Josephson, services coordinator is roup that olunteerin nts s about v part of a g at KLF. And that need is growing rapidly—KLF tu clie re you an assist y ? Contac ommunit ere you c is expecting a 35% increase in service for 2012. to the c ogram wh Pantr y Pr The Sunnyside pantry is able to serve up to 20 ir family. Grocer y our od for the op” for fo h households each day, four days a week, because of as they “s tor, at coordina the amount of available volunteers. olunteer v Winther, “Collaboration is all about easing up on e details. all L aura 9 for mor ext. 20 the volunteers’ time,” said Meg Bowen, pantry 48 8 -2617 coordinator at Sunnyside. “It’s not about church
affiliations or denominations— it’s about plugging people in where they’re needed. “We’re like a family. There’s concern for our group of workers and for the clients who become familiar Tuesday and Thursday volunteers at faces. They’re more Sunnyside United Methodist Church than just a name on paper—they’re our neighbors and it truly does take a community to care for one another. We get as much out of it as the clients do. The pantry makes a huge difference to thousands of people and we’re a part of that."
A
?
A
C
K
FOOD IS FUEL ENDING BUT KIDS ARE STILL HUNGRY
alamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Food is Fuel Kids Campaign is coming to a close on Aug. 31, but you can still help us reach thousands of hungry kids throughout the year. Just as hunger doesn’t take a vacation once summer begins, it doesn’t stop when school’s back in session. Locally, one in four kids live below the poverty level and that number’s only expected to grow. KLF operates programs specifically designed to reach these kids at school and in their neighborhood, and we need your help to keep them going. KLF accepts food and fund donations at our facility at 901 Portage St. every weekday from 8 am—3:30 pm. On our website, www.kzoolf.org, you can find suggestions for how to successfully hold your own food drive at your church, school, workplace, or in your neighborhood.
us f J oi e or to le n K L F a veni nd t arn ng o an he S m or u oc e you about w ia l Ch t! a rit ca n hat y g et Thu i n v o w e d o a C i r c le r sd nd h lv e d ay, c or ow . ne r Sky Aug. 2 of E 3, 6 Dec . d o w M ic h i k ba r - 9 p m nt o w g a n n K a nd S a la m . E $10 do n a z o dw a r d o prov ation s ided for o by t ne dr C or pora he Ree ink dy t io n
Join
DID YOU SEE OUR BILLBOARDS?
Thanks to a partnership with Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union (KCFCU), Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes was featured on 12 billboards throughout the community this summer. This was also in partnership with GreenStreet Marketing and Adams Outdoor Advertising.
"DOLLAR DRIVE THRU” HELPS HUNGRY KIDS
Our latest effort at feeding hungry kids was a huge success with more than $7,300 raised to support our Food is Fuel Kids Campaign! The “Dollar Drive-Thru” on July 11 brought hundreds of supporters to four locations throughout Kalamazoo County to help feed kids in need. With every $1 donation, a child can eat for a day. This event was made possible due to a partnership with OnStaff Group and WRKR 107.7 FM. Thanks to them, we are now able to better support our programs that support kids and their families. If you weren’t able to make it out on July 11 and would still like to donate, you can do so online at www.kzoolf.org/ donate, in person or by mail to 901 Portage St., or at a variety of upcoming events. Thanks again to OnStaff, The Rocker, and everyone who came out on July 11 to fight childhood hunger with us! We hope this becomes an annual event, so look for us next summer during the next Dollar Drive-Thru day.
We needed to spread the message that hunger is not a game for local kids in need, and the generous people at KCFCU helped us do that. “When KCFCU learned the need for donations is highest in the summer months, we knew we wanted to help,” said Susan Balbaugh, senior marketing manager for KCFCU. By getting the word out that we need to fight local childhood hunger, we can potentially stop it before it happens. Thank you to all the companies and their employees who supported Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes and hungry kids this summer.
Join the Loaves & Fishes Team
Interested in helping Kalamazoo become a hunger-free community? We’ve got a place for you! Attend an orientation meeting to get started. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES: Saturday, August 11 Thursday, August 23 Saturday, September 8 Thursday, September 27 Sign up with our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Winther: 269/488-2617, ext. 209 [email protected]
!
GROW IT—GIVE IT PRODUCE PROGRAM: LOOKING FOR LOCAL GROWERS
A partnership between Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes and volunteers at St. Catherine’s Church have started canvassing the area for local growers willing to donate their surplus produce to our programs. This group will collect, transport and deliver your donated produce items directly to local senior housing sites and other agencies. Donations that weigh 25 lbs. or more can be picked up. If you are a local grower and are interested in donating some of your fresh produce to help those in need, please call St. Catherines directly at 327-5165.
BIG CUTS TO FARM BILL WILL IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY
Both public and non-profit nutrition assistance programs are under threat right now as Congress works to reauthorize the 2012/13 Food & Farm Bill. This is our nation's largest piece of legislation concerning the food we grow, produce, purchase and eat.
It affects all of us—from farmers, to students, to the average grocery store shopper. KLF is closely watching the congressional process because many of our community members will be impacted by the outcome. The Senate Agriculture Committee has proposed nearly $5 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps). The House Agriculture Committee has proposed even larger cuts to SNAP—$16 billion over ten
years. At KLF, we believe that any cuts to nutrition assistance programs would severely undermine the food security safety net that thousands of people in Kalamazoo County rely on for essential nutrition. Urge your representatives to preserve current funding for food assistance programs. Links to representative’s phone numbers and addresses can be found at www. kzoolf.org, as well as more information about the Farm Bill.
FOOD WISH LIST
August:
Fresh & canned fruit
KLF August giving Coupon
AUGUST 2012 COUPON #109
AMOUNT $ _______________ Do local kids have all their school supplies ready? Backpack, check. Pencil, check. Calculator, check. What about three meals every day? Please send your contribution by August 27.
September:
Fresh produce Foods high in protein (6 grams or more) are always needed in our warehouse, too.
KLF september giving Coupon
SEPTEMBER
2012
AMOUNT $ _______________ It’s fresh produce month! Donate potatoes, carrots, apples, or beans from your home garden, commercial farm, or local store. Please send your contribution by September 24.
COUPON #110
THANK YOU TO BUSINESS DONORS AND BUSINESS IN-KIND SUPPORTERS
In our Food for Thought newsletter, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes categorically recognizes some of our recent supporters. Local businesses and companies provide valued support to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes through the donations of food and funds. Employees rally together to collect food donations and business owners support our mission through their generous gifts. These are the businesses that gave between 7/1/2011 and 6/30/2012.
Businesses/ Companies
Aaron Wilson DDS Adult & Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat PLC Advance America Adventures Learning Centers Alta Resources Ample Pantry Anderson Bros. Steamatic Angelo’s Italian Eatery West Antoniotti Chiropractic Apple Bus Area Wide Transport Artistic Edge Salon AT&T Advertising Employees Autobody USA Awake & Aware Yoga Studio B.A.S.I.C. Bank of America Beadventure Bear-Foot Farms Bernatche School of Dance Big Lots Borgess Health Borgess Research Institute Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice Bova Bakery Brink, Key & Chludzinski, PC Bronson Athletic Club Bronson Healthcare Group Brookdale Senior Living Butterball Turkey Gift Program Capital Access Care One Home Health Services Carl Walker, Inc. Caro Foodliner Celery City Soap Charter Communications Chartwell Financial Management ChemLink Child and Family Psychological Services Clorox Company Foundation Employee Giving
Campaign Cole Gavlas, PC Comprehensive Care Services, PA Comstock Tower Apt. Confections with Convictions Construction Labor Services Consumers Credit Union Consumers Energy Continental Lanes Cool Runnings Ice Cream Co. Corey Lake Orchards Curves for Women D&W Fresh Market DeNooyer Chevrolet Devon Title Co. Dollar General Dr. Goodman DDS Drew Telecom Group Druskovich Brothers Farms Eaton Corp. Eco Lawn Care Edwards Industrial Sales Eimo Technologies Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses Encore Publishing Group Enterprise Rent-A-Car Experis Exteriors of Kalamazoo Fifth Third Bank First Community Credit Union First National Bank of Michigan Fitness Yoga Fletcher’s Pub Flowserve Corp. The Fountains at Bronson Place Friendship Village Galesburg Meat Co. Gastroenterology of SW MI Gazelle Sports George’s Appliance Gordon Food Service Grand Valley Co-Op Credit Union Grapevine Furniture Graphic Packaging International Great Lakes Caring Gruizenga Home Inspections H&B Market Handyman Services
Hardings Friendly Market Healthcare Midwest Healthy Family Chiropractic Hearthside Apt. Horizon Bank Housler Restaurants Husted Farm Market Hydrate Salon & Spa Identities Hair Salon I’m Your IT Improved Funding Techniques Intentional Yoga J.C. Penney Jansen Valk Thompson & Reahm, PC JBS Meatpacking JP Morgan Chase Matching Gifts Program Kaiser Aluminum Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital Kalamazoo Sportswear Kalsec, Inc. Keith R. Konvalinka DDS Keller-Williams Realty Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union Keystone Community Bank The Kitchen Shop Knappen Milling Kozar Construction Kzoo Music Scene L&S Assoc. L.D. Docsa Assoc. Lake Forest Apt. Lake Michigan Credit Union Landd Development Lennard Ag Lewis Reed & Allen, PC Life EMS Little Caesars Little Chick Shoe Shop Lorraine D. Hanna DDS LVM Capital Management Mall City Containers Martin & Associates Environmental Medallion Management The Med Joint
Community Compassion Center Meijer Memories Ink’d Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Mid-America Psychological Services Millennium Restaurant Group of Kalamazoo Miller Johnson Attorneys and Counselors Miller-Davis Mol-Son Morgan Stanley Nelson Hardware Noodles & Company Ob-Gyn, PC OnStaff USA Papa’s Italian Sausage Paw Paw Wine Distributors Pease Packing Corp. People’s Food Co-Op Pepsi Bottling Group of Kalamazoo Persons Auto Repair Pfizer Pinewood Glen Apt. Pipedream Glass PNC Bank Pro Services Progressive Insurance Promotion Concepts Prudential Preferred Realtors Quality Air Service Rajzer Farms Richard-Allan Scientific Robinson Industries Rollerworld Rose Street Advisors Ross Medical Russell Farm Greenhouse S&L Transportation Sangha Yoga Sanitor Manufacturing Co. Sawall Health Foods Scholten Kitchens & Bath Schultz’s Fruitridge Farms Schupan & Sons Scobey’s Produce Seyburn & Associates, PLC SignArt Skyline Vineyards and Orchards
Sleep Care Supplies & Equipment SolSpring Southwest Michigan Credit Union Southwest Michigan Imaging Center Spartan Stores State Farm Insurance States Golf Course Steeg & Glista, PC Strategic Solutions Stryker Instruments Stryker Worldwide Headquarters Studio 33 Summer Ridge Apt. Summit Polymers Sunrise Yoga Super Book The Surgical Group of SW MI Theresa & John Spurr DDS PLC Thermo Fisher Scientific Think Farm True-Tech Industries Two Men and a Truck Unified Brands Unique Eats United Nursing Service Van Sweden Jewelers Van’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Villas of Stonehenge Visser Construction W.W. Grainger Walnut Manor Farms Water Street Coffee Joint Weight Watchers Welch’s Westport Village Condominiums Western Michigan University Bookstore Westnedge Family Dentistry WOTM WT Chen & Co.
Business In-Kind Supporters
Business in-kind supporters are those that support Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes through the donation of food, products, or services. Many of these businesses have contributed to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes for decades because they too desire a hunger-free community.
Big Apple Bagels CRT, Inc. Dave’s Security Corp. Great Harvest Bread Griffin Pest Control Hardings Friendly Market Lindsey Dedicated Services Mall City Containers Overhead Door Company of Kalamazoo Pepperidge Farms Pro Glassworks Robert E. Boot Agency Sarkozy Bakery
Thank you to these businesses for your support. Your spirit of giving creates a community where we help each other. In the October Food for Thought newsletter, we’ll recognize civic groups, non-profits, unions, schools, foundations, and government entities that have recently donated to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Please contact us if you believe you were wrongfully omitted from this list.
NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID KALAMAZOO MI PERMIT NO. 1693
901 PORTAGE STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005 FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663 P 269/488-2617 · F 269/343-3669 WWW.KZOOLF.ORG
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.
Our Mission
Our Values
Compassion Respect Justice Integrity Advocacy
Wesley Foster Michael Neevel Rochelle Thompson Donald F. Cudahy Carl Fry, Jr. Gwen & Wendell Jan Tiderington’s Ida Cutshaw Jan Andersen Dottie Geis Nielsen’s nephews birthday Woodie DeBack Jan Anderton Debbie Gillespie Oral Roberts University Carolyn Tyler Joseph Dillon Joy Anderton Tom Bennett’s birthday Michael & Beth Gillespie David & Carol Overton’s Maxine Vincent’s 88th Lucille Dillon 50th anniversary birthday Ken Dingman Jessica Black’s birthday The Holy Trinity Jim Pino’s birthday Shirley & Frank Wise’s Chuck & Leota Duffield Linda Black’s birthday Katie Howard’s 1st communion Jan Roadhouse’s anniversary Robert Eager, Sr. Robert Black birthday Mary Beth Woods Charles Erickson Mike & Carol Blalock’s Richard Hutson Cindy Wilde & Sam Joan Everts wedding anniversary Aly Jessel & Troy Fassbender’s Salisbury’s marriage IN MEMORY OF… John P. Flynn Neil Brand marriage Sally & John Sather’s Barbara Foster Bronson Methodist marriage Robert P. Amrhein Carl A. Fry, Sr. Hospital’s medical Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ 30th Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Cy Beer Lorna Gibson staff anniversary Schrock’s 70th Nancie Bigler Dave Gray Shirley Bumgardner anniversary Bill Borgman Ethel Hartman & Sharon Dickey’s Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ receptionists Judy Shrimplin David Breay’s father Dr. Clayton Holaday birthdays Patrecia Breen Arthur & Helen Dorothy Butch’s 80th Kalamazoo Loaves & Victor Siemers Fishes’ volunteers Lois & Gay Smith’s 60th Pat Brown Hopfinger birthday Susan Lake anniversary Floyd & Helen Burkey Charles & Phyllis Hord’s Susan Caulfield’s Sam Lealofi Bonnie Snow’s 65th Richard Burlington parents birthday Anne Wend Lipsey birthday Bruce L. Burrows Ruthann Humphrey Nancy Diment Minister Jim F. Miller Nicholas & Tessa Chester & Bertha Castle Marcia Jackson Bertha & Charles Maxine & Theron Stauffer Barbara Clark Mr. Frank Jarvis Fenwick’s 60th Mosey’s 50th Texas Corners Bible Gene Clysdale Walt Jasiak anniversary anniversary Church Patricia Coleman Avis Keene Alan Forrester
5/1/2012 – 7/2/2012 Special thanks to those who honor friends and family through contributions to KLF. Donald Thall Helen E. Contessa Richard Keene Dorothy Rothrock IN HONOR OF… Anndrea, Dan, Nora & Andrew, Emily &
Marguerite Kolb William D. Lorentz Charles Ludlow Linda Renauld Lutz Patrick McCormick Terri Mellinger Raymond Milot Harry & Dorothy Miner Kathy Mizeur Margaret “Peggy” Moors Harold Oliver Thomas Oorbeck Frank Ossiff, Jr. Ernest & Anita Pettinga Gerald L. Pochyla Dina Rajzer Charles Ray Jim Reish Jessica Renauld Oswald & Alvina Renauld Brian Rife Roy & Eloise Robinson Darlene Kay Rodgers John Ross
TRIBUTES
Carol Sakstrup James H. Schaap Carol Schaberg Marilyn Scheel Martin & Emma Schmitt Siegfried Sholder Joani Siwik Ilze I. Smidchens Floyd Smith Jerry Lee Smith Ginger Snyder Carol Stamm Doug & Marie Renauld Stone Beatrice Stoops Pauline Stoppelberg Jim Sullivan Lawrence Summerville Jerry Taylor Jose Toxias John Vermeulen Ali & Geri Vickery Roon Visser Virginia Westley Wesley C. Whiffin Virginia “Ginny” Wilson Faye & Walt Zinter
211 213 214 224 208 201 206 218 222 209
Board of Directors
Patricia Carlin Bob Ezelle Alan Harbaugh Mike Henderson Lynn Jessel Cheryl Knapp Robert Lohrmann Elizabeth Makohn Harvey Myers Helen Norris Maija Petersons Stacey Randolph Martha Ream Martha Simpson Jan Tiderington
Staff / Business Office
269/488-2617 Joan Atwell, Call Center Lead Art Cole, Services Director Pat Early, Warehouse Assistant George Geissel, Bookkeeper Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director Dave Hafer, Warehouse Assistant Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director EXT. 201 207 211 222 212 211 210
Mary Hutchins, Warehouse Coordinator Jennifer Johnson, Resource Dev. & Public Relations Director Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator Marvin King, Warehouse Director Anne Wend Lipsey, Executive Director Ruth Matteson, Call Center Lead Jon Riccio, Donor Database Coordinator Kimberly Schoetzow, Communications Coordinator Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator Laura Winther, Volunteer Coordinator
