February 2014 Newsletter

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February 2014 newsletter

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INSIDE
Thank You For Your Support in 2013 Reading Together Series: Eye on Food New KLF Truck Martin Luther King Day of Service 50th Anniversary of War on Poverty Feinstein Challenge FEBRUARY 2014

Fast Facts


WEATHERING THE STORM
Hunger is an issue that is as persistent as the raging winds and bitter cold of a Michigan winter storm, and despite all of our community’s efforts, continues to threaten our friends and neighbors. There are still too many individuals, young and old, who struggle to secure enough food every day to lead active, healthy lives. Here in the middle of winter, the tasks before us seem daunting and the danger of overlooking the suffering around us—to hibernate—is real. But Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is fueled by hope, even in the midst of the coldest and most perilous winter months in recent memory. Hope is evident when staff and volunteers braved the wild weather in early January to get food in the hands of those who needed it most, when they needed it most. Hope is evident in our receptionists who greet those coming in from the cold with a warm smile. Hope is evident as call-center volunteers answer calls every three minutes for two hours straight—the new normal—to set up local households with same-day food assistance. Hope is evident every day, week after week, when pantry volunteers across our network open pantry doors and welcome those in need. Hope is evident in the generous year-end contributions we received from so many caring individuals in our community. Like surviving a Michigan winter, building a ‘hunger-free community’ takes stamina, resilience and endurance. It compels us to draw on our deepest wells of strength. It requires us to help each other—thank you to all who shoveled an extra sidewalk or checked in on a shut-in neighbor. Finally, it demands us to hang-in there for the long-haul. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Clearly, both the winter’s chill and the daily challenge to put food on the table impact us all. Parker Palmer, author, educator and activist, has said of winter: “Winter in the upper Midwest is a demanding season—and not everyone appreciates the discipline.” As you read through this edition of our Food for Thought newsletter, look for examples of the incredible efforts that surround us every single day; efforts that demonstrate our hearty Midwestern winter resourcefulness, resolve, and discipline, and highlight both our resilience and our ability to carry-on. This work is about hope in sunshine, rain, sleet and snow. Together we are bringing hope to our community. 

For the price of a designer cup of coffee (around $4), Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes can feed a family of four breakfast, lunch and dinner for a day. By giving up just one cup of coffee a week, or making a similar sacrifice, and donating your savings to KLF, you can help change lives in our community. Up to 800 local school children per week from 16 area elementary schools benefit from KLF’s Weekend Food Pack Program. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes served an average of 522 individuals per day in 2013.





Thank you for being an inspiration to those who gave a tribute gift this holiday season!
The following gifts were received between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2013.

John W. Allen Jan Andersen’s friends Lora Armstrong Dan & Barb Barber Tatyana Barr Rose Ganch Barron Gordon & Andrea Barrows Meg & Jon Bassett Francis & Eleanor Bell Jennifer Bober Don & Mary Brown Liz Yoon & Lys Buck Gordon & Janice Bundy Alex Burkholz Bronson Employees Linda Rus, Cheryl Throgmorton, Jackie Wahl, Liz Colson & Jean Krueger Jeane Candido Citizen Diplomats of Colleagues International Mollie Clements Art Cole Father Robert Cole Gloria Copeland Sister Rita Agnes Costello Marcia & C. Robert Cowell’s grandchildren Pam & Al Cox Thomas & Monique Coyne Father Robert Creagan Bruce & Donna Cunningham Emilio & Maria Dacoba Sister Mary Anne Dalton Barb & Lyon Day Robert Dekker Mr & Mrs. Sergio De La Rosa Dr. Phillip Doyle Steve & Marianne Dragicevich John & Linda Dunn Dr. Jesse Duranceau Lee & Kris Dyer Moyra Ebling Stu & Karen Eddy Tom & Nancy Edmonds Rebecca Bour & Ryan Eichhorn Tucky Elliott Kelly Elvin Nancy & Joe Engemann The Ken Eubank Family The Farmer Family Dr. Thomas Fillar & Staff Msgr. William Fitzgerald Tom & Jean Foghino Kristi Freng & Kids Kelley & Boone Gavigan Kathy Gernaat Megan Gernaat David & Debbie Gillespie Martin Glista Barbara Graham-Palmer Kurt H. Groggel, Jr. Scott & Debbie Grosse Marv & Catherine Grostic The Haber Family Betty & Joe Haas John & Kay Haas Nancy Hamilton Bill & Kay Hanson Msnr. Michael Hazard Kayla Hazelhoff Kelly Henderson Al & Shirley Heavey’s Tuesday

IN HONOR OF…

Bridge Club Jenny Hetrick Lois Hofmeister Carol and Richard Howard Roy & Sandy Howard Father Peter Hughes Jaime Huneke Richard Hutson Dalinda Janosky James Jasiak & Staff Mary Jbara John Post Landscaping Arnie & Debby Johnston Kalamazoo Sail & Power Squadron Julie Karnemaat Turner Robert Keller Killarney & Finn Families Claudia Klein KLF staff Evan & Sharon Kokales Truman Kramer Maryhelen Cole Kreidler Mary Anne Krogh Ladies Library Association Anne Wend Lipsey Peter Livingston Martin Loeffler & Family The LOL Lunch Group Ben & Kathleen Longstreth Katie & Scott Longstreth-Tokstad Marcia & Charles Luken Karen & Peter Maas Julie MacArthur The Macatawa Gang Ed Manning Sean McCann Jim & Beth McLaren Michele McLaughlin Bill & Dolores Miller Cathy von Moltke Neva Crown & Betty Vinci Murphy Ruth & John Murphy Thomas Myers Elias Nagle-Bennett Kris Nap Kathy Neal Mr. & Mrs. Alven W. Neff Bill & Helen Neff’s extended family Dr. Roy & Priscilla Olton Michael & Barbara Palmer Pasta Pals volunteers Brian & Johanna Paul Doug Paul Mark & Sharon Paul The volunteers at PCHUM church Barry & Lesa Petrucci Mr. & Mrs. Luciano Pietrantoni Elisabeth Pixley-Fink Amy & Brian Pralat Cecily Puerdin Martha A. Ream Sid & Sandy Rhind Karis & Mark Robbins The Steve Rochow Family Cynthia & Mark Schauer Kathy Schultz Jack & Gloria Shearer John Shelly The family of James & Ethel Shiley Christopher & Kim Sieklucki

James & Susan Sieklucki Pam Siwik Roger Snow Molle. McKenna & Addison Soderquist Marianne Speck Tom & Mary Stadt Staff at Volunteer and Grief Support Services at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan Staff of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan Marcia Steel The Steinerts & The Orts Cindy Stoltz Stryker Instruments Marketing Communications Team Officer Bryan Taffee Jody Taylor Nancy Terry Ruth & Bill Thornley Those seeking Jesus Time Together Farm S. Robert Tocco Beth Toepper Carla Torgerson Sister Marie Ursula Kay Van Dis Laura VanVlack-Ailes Richard & Patricia Viard Volunteers who work to help others Bill & Pat Wagner Dave & Sally Warner Kristin Wasche Weekend Food Pack Volunteers WMU Human Resources Dr. Robert Humphries & Marie Zerweck Lawrence Ziring Robert P. Amrhein Dennis & Fern Bacon Birja Baker Maxine Barker Marcia Barney Beverly Bennett Louis & Cecile Blanchard Harold Bourner Patrecia Breen M. Bullemmai Mary Bullock Pauline Carnago Karen Cernik Richard Christian Patricia Coleman David A. Collins George Commissaris Lowell & Leona Comstock Tom Copeland Norma Craig Mildred Craven Wayne Crippin Tom Crooks James, Lucille & Joseph Dillon Charles & Leota Duffield Robert Eager, Sr. Keith Edmondson Richard Evans Sr. Tomas R. Fleming

IN MEMORY OF…

John P. Flynn F. Thelma Foghino Mary Forrester Paul Frenthway Carl A. Fry, Sr. Bob Gernaat, Sr. Edward Glista Brooks Godfrey James E. Goole Janice L. Goole Stephen & Alice Groshko Margaret D. Guthaus Marvin Guthaus The Jeffersons & The Hagemans Ramon Hamilton Harold J. Harris Mark J. Hatfield Ethel Hartman Kendall E. Hatton Catherine & Gilbert Hoffman Theresa Hollowell Charles & Phyllis Hord’s Mom & Dad John C. & Mary Jane Howard Marie E. Iagnocco James & Bernice Ippel Paul & June Jackoberry Marcia Jackson John Johnson Violet Jones Dr. Thomas Kavanaugh Su Kehres Jim Kelley Dawne Kennedy Tom & Jodi Klobucar Marguerite Kolb William J. Kowal Thomas Kovachevich Gail Kroske Lance Lambert Brenda & Jack Lancaster Anneke & Landon Vels Jim Lawrence Dominic (Dic) & Nadia Leonardelli Margaret A. Linton Maxine Louden Christopher D. Mack Dick Marsh Ed Marlett Earl & Jane Mason’s parents Sandra Matthews Kenneth Maynard Gil McWethy Donald H. Meisling, Sr. Anthony & Anne Miller Robert A. Miller Max Mills Kathy Mizeur Olive Mohney Thelma Mollet Bill & Jane Monroe Valdis Muiznieks Zella Muscott Clayton Myers Kris Nelson Donna Nichols

Lester B. Noel Marilyn Nyce Jaimie Oorbeck Thomas Oorbeck Glenn Osborn Frank Ossiff Jr. Dr. Jack C. Overley Ron Petroski Ardis Pierce Joyce Phelps Michael J. Phillips Gerald L. Pochyla Dave Pontius Norma Priebe Tom Pyke Mildred Pyle Rita Raynes F.L. Reed Jim Reish Jessica Renauld Linda Mary Renauld Lutz Oswald & Alvina Renauld Pearl Marie Renauld Stone & Douglas Stone Dolores Rich Jim Rinker Mary Roche John M. Sadowski Marilyn Scheel Martin & Emma Schmitt Charlette Schupan Gilbert & Gertrude Schmitt Joani Siwik Jeanne Sletten Francis L. Smith Floyd Smith Patricia Smith Robert L. Smith Marjorie Snell Tom Sonday Otis Springer Marjorie Springgate Herb Stier Mrs. Margaret Sture Jim & Winona Swope Maria Tucki Corrine Turner Jean Vander Velde Upjohn Ken & Kathy VanderBroek Robert Van Dis Sister Betty Veenhuis Al & Geri Vickery Mr. Jan Visser Roon Visser Jim & Janet Voss John Wallace Carole Walsh Sister Mary Joan Walsh Laura Weber Jane Welborn Ralph Wdowicki Welford & Juanita Wilson Don & Ruth Wisser Michael Dennis Wood, Sr. Carole Wright Linelle & Charles Young Helmut Karl Zeil

THANK YOU FOR DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN DO
During the late afternoon of Dec. 31, the last day of 2013, a young girl and her mother walked through the front doors of KLF’s administrative office with a $10 donation—all of it the young girl earned from her allowance and could have been used for toys or treats. When asked why she decided to give to Kalamazoo Loaves KLF ANNUal REPOrT & Fishes, the young philanthropist responded, n an effort to ‘go green’ in a very matter of fact our to help protect tone, “Because people environment, Kalamazoo need to eat.” Loaves & Fishes’ Annual Hunger is a complex Report is digital this year, and available online. issue, and working toward a solution he report, which looks can often times be at the KLF’s 2012-13 overwhelming, but in organizational information in a its simplest form, when new, innovative and dynamic we work together as a way, can be found at community to provide www.kzoolf.org. food assistance to those that “need to eat,” we are making progress.

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With just this $10 donation, KLF will be able to feed 10 individuals breakfast lunch and dinner for a day. Every dollar, every hour, every action is critical in working toward a hunger-free community. Whether you have donated time, food or funds, shared or commented on something we have posted on social media, or shared our the mission and services with a friend, family member or stranger, we thank each and every individual that supported us in any form during 2013. Assuredly, the future will bring about new challenges to overcome in our fight to end hunger in Kalamazoo County, but, as author Ashleigh Brilliant once said: “Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can.” Thank you for all that you do and, together, we will continue to make progress towards a hunger-free community in 2014! 

READING TOGETHER SERIES: EYE ON FOOD
The theme of the 2014 Reading Together program, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library, is a familiar one for our newsletter readers— Food for Thought. Reading Together invites people of all ages to read and take part in followup discussions about the important issues raised by this selected literature. Since 2003, thousands of area residents have participated in this growing program. The two featured books this year explore various foodrelated issues that impact communities throughout the country. Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter is a inspiring memoir of a woman who turned a vacant lot in the tough streets of downtown Oakland, California into a thriving farm. In The American Way of Eating: Undercover at WalMart, Applebee’s, Farm Fields and the Dinner Table, author Tracie McMillan goes undercover to examine the reality of our country’s food industry. For more information on how to participate in Reading Together this year, or a list of the many associated events— including meet and greets with the featured authors— visit www.kpl.gov. 

KLF ANNUal CaMPaIGN

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t is not too late to donate to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Until Everyone has a Place at the Table annual campaign. our contributions not only provide resources to feed hungry people in our community, but also help us keep our lights on, our pantry shelves stocked and our truck on the road five days a week.

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ill you pull up a chair and help empower Kalamazoo County by providing sustenance and hope for our neighbors in need?

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, February 8  Wednesday, February 19  Saturday, March 8  Wednesday, March 19 Sign up with our Volunteer Coordinator, Cherise Buchanan: 269/488-2617, ext. 209 or online at [email protected]

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TAKE THE FEINSTEIN CHALLENGE
Help Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes work toward a hungerfree Kalamazoo County by donating to the 17th-annual Feinstein Challenge. Founded in 1991 by Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Feinstein Foundation is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, the importance of community service in education and the values of caring, compassion and brotherhood. The fundraising effort runs from March 1 to April 30 and, upon its conclusion, the $1 million raised will be divided amongst nationwide non-profit hunger-fighting agencies. Are you up for the challenge? Visit www.kzoolf.org to make your contribution. 

SEEKING VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is looking for groups of volunteers to help out in our pantries and call center. If you are interested in a fun way to spend time with friends or coworkers while making a difference for our neighbors in need, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Cherise Buchanan at [email protected]. 

Become A Social Media Ambassador
Are you fluent in Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest? Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is looking for Social Media Ambassador volunteers to champion our cause on the web. All it takes is a few clicks from the comfort of your own home to make a difference in our community! If you are interested, contact our Communications Coordinator Kevin Minor at [email protected] for more information.

FOOD WISH LIST
February: March:
Rice (bag or box)

KLF FEBrUarY GIVING COUPON
FEBRUARY 2014 COUPON #127
AMOUNT $________________ I wish to remain anonymous. The weather outside is frightful, but empty cupboards are even more chilling. Your donation helps get food into the hands of those who need it most during these frigid winter months. Please send your contribution by February 25.

Canned fruit Foods high in protein (6 grams or more) are always needed in our warehouse, too.

KLF MarcH GIVING COUPON
MARCH

2014

AMOUNT $________________

I wish to remain anonymous.

COUPON #128

Spring into action! Turn the tables on hunger this month with a contribution that helps ensure a bright future for our community. Please send your contribution by March 25.

NEW YEAR, NEW TRUCK, SAME GOALS
You may see the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes logo motoring around the county on a shiny new truck in the coming weeks. You’ve heard it here first, if you haven’t already seen it, the new year has brought KLF a new, refrigerated truck that will allow us to distribute food to our community more efficiently than ever before. “The refrigeration component of the new truck not only allows us to deliver a safer product, but also gives us the ability to collect refrigerated products—something we were never able to do before,” said KLF Warehouse Coordinator Dave Hafer. This new truck is representative of our dedication to evolving and growing in ways to meet the ever-increasing need for food assistance in Kalamazoo County. Because of your loyalty and commitment to our community, we were able to feed 131,085 individuals in 2013—the most in organizational history—and expect even higher service numbers this year.

We hope to continue ppl IVE to increase our Por ebe ta S e’s M a ge w i service availability rc h l l r e on W , e op e bi d g iv st ne throughout the in n o item n uniq g you w ith a dge in county, including a u s fr o m e a n d n o p p n e w lo doubling the or t u ok its f ra r in e or m T ha n availability of n ks er d memo ity to all r e t a o c or bi l i its pr our in-house . a w i l o c e ed new o l be Mary K. w s f r om ne r ne f on R ic it w th is Meltzer w w hen an K L F. F o n l h et t M o i w.k dw n r ed i Pantry. z oo her more e auc lf.o t ion a , i n fo This rg. e you rm ca n bid ation year, we will , vi sit advocate, engage, inspire and empower while continuing to feed our community. If you see our truck on the roads, you will see a question written on the side: “What does a hunger-free Kalamazoo County look like to you?” This serves as a constant reminder of the communitywide collaboration needed to determine the answer. Together, we can move one step closer to that vision in 2014.  just recognize important advocates such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and their critical messages on designated action days, but to support their causes every day of the year. 

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MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
KLF celebrated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 20 by inviting groups of volunteers from Kalamazoo County to give back to our community and learn more about the importance of our cause. These volunteers participated in activities such as sorting food in our warehouse and repackaging bulk product in our clean room. While

known for his relentless efforts to promote racial equality in America, MLK was also a staunch advocate for food justice in our country. “Why should there be hunger and privation in any land, in any city, at any table when [we have] the resources and the scientific knowhow to provide all [hu]mankind with the basic necessities of life?” said the 1964 Nobel Prize winner. “There is no deficit in human resources; the deficit is in human will.” It is of the utmost importance to not

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAR ON POVERTY
On Jan. 9, 1964, United States President Lyndon Johnson launched a broad platform to abolish American poverty with, what he deemed, the ‘War on Poverty.’ This year marks the 50th anniversary of this initiative and, although progress has been made, poverty still threatens the future of communities across the nation. In Kalamazoo County, 45,356 individuals live below the poverty line—including 35% of residents in the city of Kalamazoo—according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The connection between hunger and poverty cannot be denied, and with potential federal cuts to vital government welfare programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food

stamps) looming , the strides our community must take to end hunger in Kalamazoo County are more important today than ever before. KLF is working collaboratively to implement and strengthen public and private solutions to end hunger and poverty, and we all play integral roles as we strive to create healthy and vibrant neighborhoods in our community. 

INGS KLF & THE K-W MarcH 21hockey team

Join the K-Wings -flying action at for a night of high when they face Wing’s Stad iu m ad ing Roya ls — off against the Re com mun ity at and support your the same time! oceeds of Portions of the pr ugh KL F will go tickets sold th ro rts of ending towa rds ou r effo m mun ity. hu nger in ou r co ation on how to For more in form visit pu rchase tickets, g. or lf. oo kz w w w.

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

Respect Diversity & Inclusion Stewardship & Accountability Integrity Collaboration Urgency Service

Our Values

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is led by a Board of Directors made up of community leaders who embrace and forward the agency mission to fight hunger in our community. KLF is lucky to have the support of these community-minded individuals who bring a diverse assortment of talents to our work in fighting hunger. The KLF board acts as a policy-making body and guides the organization’s stewardship of resources, including food, funds and volunteer time. As we enter 2014 with new faces on our board, we say goodbye to Jack Abate, Bob Ezelle, Mike Henderson, Harvey Myers, Helen Norris, Marty Ream and Jan Tiderington. Words cannot express our gratefulness for their time, energy, passion and dedication to enhancing the food security infrastructure for Kalamazoo County. KLF’s 2013/14 Board of Directors includes:  Patricia Carlin—Kalamazoo Public Schools  Rob DeWit—Southwest Michigan Innovation Center  Martin Glista—Attorney at Law-retired  Alan Harbaugh—Attorney at Law  Lynn Jessel—Morris, Carl & Jessel, P.C.  Sam Lealofi—Center For Youth & Community  Robert Lohrmann—Attorney-retired  Cirilo Martinez—Attorney  Karen McPhail—Stryker Instruments  Laurel Palmer—Kalamazoo College  Stacey Randolph—Kalamazoo Public Safety  Martha Simpson—Pfizer-retired

Connect With Us:
www.facebook.com/ KalamazooLoavesAndFishes www.twitter.com/ KzoLoavesFishes

Staff / Business Office
269/488-2617 Mary Adams, Finance Coordinator Joan Atwell, Call Center Lead Cherise Buchanan, Volunteer Coordinator Paul Bushek, Warehouse Assistant Art Cole, Services Director Joe Cook, Warehouse Assistant Bob Dekker, Warehouse Assistant Joe Galaviz, Warehouse Assistant Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director EXT. 222 201 209 211 207 211 211 211 212

Dave Hafer, Warehouse Coordinator Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director 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 Kevin Minor, Communications Coordinator Jackie Smith, Call Center Assistant Desi Taylor, Services Assistant Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator Laura Winther, Donor Database Coordinator

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