Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

Foodbank
of Southeastern Virginia
and the Eastern Shore
Leading the effort to eliminate
hunger in our community
Teller
Spring 2012
the
Dear Foodbank Friend,
We know that the face of hunger is changing, and the negative effects of this everyday
crisis are being seen in our schools, hospitals and neighborhoods. For children, lack of
nutrition leads to behavior problems, stunted development and the inability to learn. It also
leads to short term, as well as chronic illnesses, in children, adults and seniors.
Joanne E. Batson
Kenneth J. Thomas
Due to the increased awareness of the relationship between diet and health, our top priority
is to provide a variety of healthy food to the people we serve. The individuals who rely on
our Partner Agency food pantries have an unmet need for a consistent source of nutritious
fresh fruit and vegetables. At the same time, we are working with local farmers to provide
produce to us. Our goal is to connect hungry people to a year-round supply of fruits and
vegetables. As part of our fresh food initiative, the Foodbank has embarked on the initial
phase of implementing an ambitious two-year plan to ensure that fresh produce comprises
at least 15% of all food distributed. We are on target to reach our fiscal year 2012 strategic
goal of one million pounds of produce, focusing not only on the general need we see every
day, but also on working to reach underserved individuals through programs such as the
Mobile Pantry.
Additionally, we have received funding through a grant from Bank of America Neighborhood
Excellence Initiative that will enable us to expand our programs. We will focus on
community gardens, a farmer’s initiative and our Mobile Pantry program. We will plant
community gardens at our Eastern Shore branch this summer and we have also engaged
the assistance of two AmeriCorps Vista volunteers who will be working on this program.
We have established partnerships with growers and industry experts to help us identify
and secure bulk nutritious sources of fresh produce, including but not limited to, potatoes,
onions, carrots, cabbage, sweet potatoes, apples, and oranges.
You can help us with our initiative by Planting a Row for the Hungry and designate
certain portions of your gardens for the Foodbank. Every plant counts! As the leading
hunger relief organization in the region, we are working hard to accomplish our goal of
providing access to more nutritious food and we will continue to need your help. We are so
grateful for your support and we sincerely hope that those we serve can count on you to
continue your partnership with the Foodbank. Thank you for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Joanne E. Batson
Chief Executive Officer
800 Tidewater Drive • Norfolk, VA 23504 • (757) 627-6599
Kenneth J. Thomas
Board of Directors, President
PO Box 518 • Onley, VA 23418 • (757) 787-2557
www.foodbankonline.org
2011-2012 Board of Directors
Officers
President
Kenneth J. Thomas
Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
Retired
Vice President
Charles S. Tapp, II
Booz l Allen l Hamilton
Secretary/Treasurer
Kathryn J. Abshire
Children’s Hospital of
The King’s Daughters
Immediate Past President
Sharon Goodwyn
Hunton & Williams, LLP
Board Members
Marcus A. Calabrese
Kinetic Rel8tions Consulting
Pat Feliciano
DOMA Technologies
Michael V. Gentry
Sentara Healthcare
William E. Hall, Jr.
Accomack County Public Schools
Diane Y. Hill
Bank of America
Richard Kiley
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Lisa Lentz
Hampton Roads Bankshares
Ellie Lipkin
Community At Large
Tim Lockett
Sodexo
Tim MacCartney
Electronic Systems, Inc.
Angela D. Reddix
A. Reddix & Associates, Inc.
Mary E. Smith
Fulton Bank
Cheryl Speelman
AMSEC, LLC
Juanita Urps
Grace Lutheran Church
Honorary Life Members
David Brown
CMAS, LLC
Bruce Holbrook
Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP
Peter M. Huber
Willcox & Savage
Carol Jarvis
Community At Large
Andy Kline
Payday Payroll
Susan Mayo
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
Dorcas Hodges Nelson
Community At Large
William Nusbaum
Williams Mullen
Marianne P. Scott
Community At Large
Marc Weiss
Wells Fargo Advisors
Joanne E. Batson
Chief Executive Officer
Mission Statement
Leading the effort to
eliminate hunger in our community.
Vision
A hunger-free community.
Volunteer
News
Free Time, Families
and Volunteering for
National Volunteer Week
Volunteers are love
in motion!
~Author Unknown
The week of April 9 – 12 we played host to a full week of youth and family
volunteer events. One of our fun activities was a special “Spring Break” for youth
and families. Hundreds participated in this special event designed for families
with children ages 6 to 17. Those involved spent their “Spring Break” sorting or
packing food, watching a special Sesame Street™ hunger awareness video, and
taking a warehouse tour as part of their introduction to the Foodbank.
This was a great opportunity to teach children the importance of giving back to their
communities. And the best part is that those participating not only donated their
time, but also canned goods to the Foodbank.
We couldn’t think of a better, more enriching and worthy way to spend “Spring
Break.” We hope you make your travel plans for next year to see us again.
Most of all, remember, there is always a need for volunteers at the Foodbank yearround. Volunteers can sign up for available volunteer events at any time, after
they register as a volunteer at foodbankonline.org. From the website main page, go
to How to Help, choose the volunteer option. At the bottom of the volunteer page
is a big blue button, Volunteer Now. Clicking on that button opens the volunteer
hub where you can register and view the volunteer calendar or call us to sign up.
Presidential Volunteer Recognition
Do you want a volunteer
pin and letter from the
President?
Are you interested in
adding President’s
Volunteer Service
Award to your
resume? The
Foodbank has
been certified by The
President’s Council on
Service and Civic Participation
to be a local certifying organization for
this prestigious award.
Since 2003, The President’s Council
has recognized volunteers who
are making a difference in their
communities. Volunteer Service
Awards are presented to individuals,
families and groups that have achieved
a certain standard – measured by the
number of hours of service over a
12-month period or cumulative hours
earned over the course of a lifetime.
The award is available on an annual
basis and is an honor that every
American – from all ages and walks of
life – can aspire to achieve. The awards
are broken into four categories:
Youths – 14 and younger
Young Adults – Ages 15-25
Adults – 26 and up
Families and Groups – two or more people
For more information on the award:
www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or
call 1-866-545-5307.
Hours donated must be tracked at:
www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov.
Use keycode HQX-50872 to link your
volunteer hours to the Foodbank after
you click the track hours button. 2
Agency
Spotlight
Temple Baptist Church
Lee Cornelius started the Temple Baptist Church food
pantry on Tidewater Drive in 1997. Along with Dolly, a
woman she met while walking her dog, Cornelius fed
25 people who were referred by nearby Trinity Baptist
Church. Since then, their doors have been open starting
at 4:00 am every Wednesday to those in need.
Cornelius, who turns 84 in May, has a group of volunteers
that help her pick up food, package it and hand it out to
those who come through their doors. Their average age is
70 and several of them are members of the church. But,
most get assistance from the pantry and just want to help
out in some way.
Michelle McPherson is one of those volunteers. She
started coming to the pantry five years ago. One day, she
asked them if they needed help and has been working
with them ever since. “People don’t realize the hours and
hard work Lee and the others put into this,” McPherson
said.
Cornelius starts her day at 2:00 am when she gets up to
shower and eat breakfast. After picking up McPherson,
they go to the church just before 4:00 am and lay out the
boxes of food. Every morning, a few people are already
waiting for the doors to open. In a typical day, they will
help between 130 and 170 people.
Lee Cornelius,
who turns 84 in
May, has a group
of volunteers that
help her pick up
food, package
it and hand it
out to those who
come through
their doors.
She handles the bookkeeping including preparing reports
and tracking the money used to purchase food. Until a
couple of months ago, she also drove her Chevy truck
four times a week to different grocery stores to pick up
food. In addition, she goes shopping for regular and
USDA food at the Foodbank.
Once a month, people can receive USDA product and
the rest of the month, they receive other food as needed.
Dolly makes sure no one is turned away. Even after the
pantry officially closes at 8:15 am, if someone stops by
and asks for food, she will quickly grab a couple of bags
of canned goods, bread, meats and some fruit.
When their morning is done, volunteers clean up and put
away the boxes and food for next week. Some leftover
food is delivered to seniors who could not make it to the
pantry or given to nearby New Hope Church Christian
Community Center. Despite not getting paid for all the
hours of work, Cornelius loves what she does. “It’s a job
but I don’t mind doing it,” she said.
Eastern Shore
News
Thank You Elks Lodge 1766
For the third year in a row the Onancock Elks Lodge
1766, has been awarded the Elks Foundation Impact
Grant to purchase produce for the Eastern Shore
Branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Over
the past few years the Elks members have purchased,
packed and delivered more than $20,000 worth of
fresh produce for the clients of the Foodbank. By
doing this, they enable the Foodbank to distribute
fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 18,000
individuals on the Eastern Shore.
For more information on how you can support the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore,
please contact Charmin Horton at 757-787-2557 or chorton@foodbankonline.org
Benevolent and
Protective Order of
Elks, Onancock Lodge
1766, volunteers
packing fresh produce
purchased with the Elks
Foundation Impact
Grant.
3
Program
News
Food on the Move
FOODBANK MOBILE PANTRY PROGRAM DELIVERS TO PEOPLE
WHO ARE HUNGRY IN OUR COMMUNITY
Contributor: Jennifer Watson, Foodbank Volunteer
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia Mobile Pantry Program was
created in January 2010. It is designed to provide food assistance to
clients in the Foodbank’s service areas where there are no Foodbank
Partner Agencies or the existing Partner Agency is at capacity with client
support. Partner Agencies of the Foodbank distribute food to those in
need in their surrounding community. The Foodbank has currently more
than 325 Partner Agencies and programs in its service area.
Terry Ellis is the Foodbank’s USDA and Mobile Pantry Coordinator who
oversees the program. He coordinates with Foodbank Partner Agencies,
churches and other community agencies to secure locations and
schedules dates and times for a distribution. “We try to find areas with a
high concentration of people in need; areas that are not currently being
serviced,” Ellis said.
Helping Cromwell House neighbors
Foodbank
program
descriptions
USDA/TEFAP- The Emergency
Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is
a federal program that provides food
at no cost to low-income Americans in
need of short-term hunger relief.
BackPack - The BackPack Program
provides children with nutritious and
easy-to-prepare food they need over
the course of the weekend. Eligible
children are identified by school
counselors and food is discreetly
placed in their back packs on selected
Fridays.
Kids Cafe® – The Kid’s Cafe®
program provides free meals and
snacks to low-income children through
a variety of community locations where
children already congregate during
the after-school hours—such as Boys
and Girls Clubs, or other after school
programs.
Food Rescue - The Foodbank
can provide much-needed food to
our Partner Agencies with the help of
grocery stores and restaurants.
An area of focus for Ellis is to identify rural counties that do not
necessarily have large populations, but lack Partner Agencies as an
option for food assistance. Ellis said he looks for sites that have the
infrastructure needed to support food distribution including a paved area
to accommodate the Foodbank’s refrigerated truck, and adequate space
to distribute the food so that clients can walk up or drive through to
access the product.
At a typical distribution, clients receive a combination of non-perishable
products, fresh produce, bakery items and frozen meat products that are
either donated by local grocery stores to the Foodbank’s Food Rescue
program or purchased.
Over 613,000 pounds of food
were distributed to people who are
hungry during the Mobile Pantry
Program’s first fiscal year. Ellis
expects to distribute 750,000
pounds this current fiscal year
which ends June 30th and 1.1
million pounds next fiscal year.
The Foodbank plans to mentor
the leaders of the food distribution
sites to become a Foodbank
Cromwell House resident waves
Partner Agency so that they can
participate in other programs the Foodbank offers, such as USDA/TEFAP,
Food Rescue, BackPack and Kids Cafe® programs. “The challenge for
potential agencies is that they often do not have refrigerators and/or
freezers, space to store shelf-stable food, nor staff or volunteers to help,”
Ellis said. “We try to work with them and provide other options.”
For more information on how you can support the Foodbank, please
contact Susan Mayo, Chief Marketing Officer at 757-314-4570 or
smayo@foodbankonline.org
Did you know last year?
Our trucks traveled approximately 130,000 miles
Truck Maintenance cost $31,347
We spent $68,110 on truck fuel
4
Community Gardens
In January of this year, staff from the Foodbank travelled to
Kansas City and Oklahoma City to tour other food banks
that have started community gardens. Our staff came back
with lots of inspiration and enthusiasm about this program
and the opportunity for the Foodbank to grow – literally.
With assistance from corporate partners and supporters
like, Bank of America, Onancock Building Supply, Bundick
Well and Pump, Hill Sand and Gravel, Inc., Parksley
Livestock Supply, Thomas Gardens, and others, we are
excited to announce the addition of a community garden
located at our Eastern Shore Branch.
We will be utilizing volunteers to help build raised beds and
boxes and plant vegetables and herbs; we have started
to design our programming and vision for the project. The
Foodbank has brought in two Ameri-Corp VISTA Volunteers
to develop Education
Programs for elementary
school children. They will
be working through our
Kids Cafe® programs to
promote healthier eating
and fresh produce, with
Oklahoma City Hoop House
schools that already have
existing Community Gardens and promoting the use of
SNAP benefits to be used at local Farmers Markets.
For anyone who would like to support the program, we
hope you start at home with planting a row in your garden
dedicated to the Foodbank and donating your fresh produce
to a great cause. From there, the opportunities to grow with
this program are endless.
Norfolk Academy’s Community Garden Project
In 2010, Norfolk Academy Upper School students Caroline
Herre ’12 and Kylie Philbin ‘11 had an idea. They were
both passionate about gardening and wanted to share their
passion with their classmates. But, they also wanted to
show that gardening could be fun, educational, and also
have a public purpose.
What was their idea? To construct a community garden on
the Norfolk Academy campus, to involve interested students
and faculty in the planning, maintenance, planting, and
harvesting of the garden, and to use the garden’s yield to
help support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
In March of 2011, with the help of parents and more than 40
students, the Norfolk Academy Community Garden Project
was brought to life. The group constructed four raised beds
and a fence, and filled the beds with organic soil.
Since then, Norfolk Academy’s Community Service Board,
an Upper School student club, has overseen the logistics
of maintaining the garden – from organization and logistics
to soliciting help and obtaining raw materials for planting,
watering and harvesting. This year, the enthusiasm has
spread to the Lower School. The Second Grade Gardening
Club, more than 40 strong, has planted (and harvested) a
variety of vegetables this year including turnips, carrots,
broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce, and has been amazed by
the results!
Vegetables from the community garden are offered to
Norfolk Academy faculty and staff with the suggestion of
a small donation for the Foodbank. So far, the gardeners
have raised $445, all of which will be donated to the
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. We are excited to be
exploring additional ways to help support the Foodbank with
our community garden! Norfolk Academy is an independent,
coeducational day school for students in grades one
through twelve.
The second graders proudly display their crop (with 2nd Grade
Teaching Fellow Jake Horsfall and senior Caroline Herre)
5
Taste of Hampton Roads – A Huge Success
On March 6th, Taste of Hampton Roads brought together fun, food and a cause. The
23rd Annual Taste of Hampton Roads was held at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside. This
sold out event featured 31 restaurants and four beverage vendors, two fun photo booths,
casino games and our fabulous VIP Iron Chef competition.
All of these elements came together to rally around the mission of the Foodbank to
eliminate hunger in our community. In the past fiscal year, the Foodbank of Southeastern
Virginia served 1 out of 4 people living in our service area.
The evening was an immeasurable success bringing awareness to the community along
with support from our partners, culinary vendors, event specialists and Taste ticket
patrons to provide over 500,000 meals to help people who are hungry in our community!
Iron Chef Brian Blend with
Chesapeake Bay Catering
A BIG THANK YOU goes out to those who supported the event and the Foodbank.
Iron Chef Johnny Mo Cooking
Guest Tasting
Morrison’s Chefs
Emcee Vanessa Coria,
WVEC TV 13
Four chefs, ten items and one winner.
Iron Chef John Mannino Cooking
Iron Chef Edward Storey Cooking
Chef Johnny Mo with Mallards at the Wharf, Chef John Mannino with Mannino’s
Italian Bistro, Chef Brian Blend with Chesapeake Bay Catering and Chef Edward
Storey with Bardos met on March 6th at the annual Taste of Hampton Roads event,
to battle it out in our first ever Foodbank Iron Chef Competition!
In front of a sold out crowd, with an assistant or sous chef, each chef had 30
minutes to execute their dish. After five minutes of planning, 25 more sizzling
moments transpired. Using three items from the Foodbank’s Top 10 Needs list and
food from the pantry; culinary creations were served to four judges.
The dishes presented were a Southwestern Chicken Cordon Bleu from Chef
Johnny Mo, a Ham, Cheese and Potato Breakfast Pillow from Chef Brian Bland, a
Corn Flake Encrusted Chicken Cake from Chef John Mannino and a Chicken and
Mole sauce from Chef Edward Storey.
Iron Chef Judge LaSalle
Blanks, WVEC TV 13
Charles Tapp, II, Vice President of the Foodbank’s Board of Directors; Chef
Deanna Freridge, President of the Tidewater Chef’s Association; LaSalle Blanks,
WVEC TV 13 - 13 News Daybreak Anchor and Lorriane Eaton Staff Writer for The
Virginian-Pilot in the end crowned Chef John Mannino the winner with his dish of a
Corn Flake Encrusted Chicken Cake.
All told, Taste of Hampton Roads raised enough money to provide a half-a-million
meals to people who are hungry in our community.
Iron Chef Winner John
Mannino and Miss United
States Ashley Smith
For a complete list of participating culinary vendors,
go to www.tasteofhamptonroads.org.
6
Thank You
Partners!
2012 Partners
PRESENTING PARTNER
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
FACILITY PARTNER • Norfolk Waterside Marriott
MEDIA PARTNER
• Inside Business
• Gorilla Social Media
• Red Chalk Studios
• Sinclair Communications
• WVEC-TV 13
EPICUREAN PARTNER
• Disabled American Veterans Combining
Chapters Thrift Stores of Hampton
Roads, VA Inc.
• Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy
• Morrison Health Care Food Services
• Sumitomo Drive Technologies
THRIFT STORES OF HAMPTON ROADS
CONNOISSEUR PARTNER
• Astro Entertainment
• First Potomac Realty Investment
• Geico
• TowneBank
BON APPETITE PARTNER
• ESI-Electronic Systems Incorporated
FOODIE PARTNER
• Dobil Laboratories, Inc. • Dunmar Exhibit Services
• Floral Events by Kathy LLC • Inspired Events by Kelly
• Kraft Foods Global, Inc. • Pepsi Beverages Company
CHAMPAGNE PARTNER
• ABNB Federal Credit Union
• Applied Management Engineering, Inc.
• Associated Distributors LLC • Creative Impressions
• Crest Foodservice Equipment Company
• Distinctive Event Rental • Fulton Bank • HDM Associates
• Hoffman Beverage Co.
• Independence Construction Company of VA
• Liberty Tax Service • ODU Office of Community Engagement
• ServiceLink LoanCare Servicing Inc. • STIHL, Inc.
• The Boardwalk Photo Booth Company • Verizon Wireless
CHEF'S CIRCLE • Credit Management Advisory Services, LLC • Payday Payroll
• QVC • Southern Bank • William Grant & Sons
CULINARY PARTNER
• Alpha Dog Marketing • Chartway Federal Credit Union
• Colonial Webb • Consumer Recovery Associates
• Grand Furniture • Howard Rodman- photographer
• John Cadell Photography • Retail Alliance • Unilever
• Williams Mullen • Norfolk Truck Center
FOODBANK FRIENDS
• Alsco • Beach Eye Care • Bob and Jennifer Smith
• CB Richard Ellis Hampton Roads (CBRE) • Diane Hill
• Ellie Lipkin • Event Central LLC
• Langley Federal Credit Union • Nauticus • Pallett Oil Inc.
• Skin A Medical Spa • Tidewater Fibre Corp. (TFC Recycling)
• Universal Promotions • Waypoint Advisors
• Let's EAT on the Go • Professional Printing Center
Donations
• Darryl Tapp Foundation
• Hampton Roads Chapter of ISES
• Western Branch Veterinary Hospital
Taste 2012 Winning Restaurants
Best Dish Presentation: Fin Seafood Restaurant • Best Tasting Dish: Terebinth - A Patisserie & Bistro •
Most Creative Dish: Culinary Institute of Virginia • Best Overall: Distinctive Gourmet - Exclusive Caterer of
the Virginia Beach Convention Center • Peoples Choice: Mannino’s Italian Bistro
7
Community
Support
Dominion Virginia Power
Lends a Hand and a Hand Up
Contributor: Bonita Billingsley Harris, Dominion VA/NC Power Media/Community Relations Manager
Dominion Virginia Power is committed to helping the Foodbank.
Joey Beck normally spends his days working as a control room
operator at Dominion Virginia Power’s nuclear plant in Surry.
ToNora Warden designs electrical systems for Dominion customers
in Norfolk. Peter James is a Fossil & Hydro Specialist at the
Yorktown Power Station. But on Wednesday, February 29th, they
were all volunteers for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
About 30 Dominion employees took time off of their real jobs to
sort, pack and deliver more than 10,000 meals. That’s in addition to
the Dominion Foundation’s latest $10,000 grant to the Foodbank to
purchase items for the Mobile Pantry.
Meanwhile, another group of Dominion volunteers
packed BackPacks in the Foodbank warehouse
for children who qualify for free and reduced
lunch. "This is just one of the many ways we give
back to the community. Anytime we can help a
friend or neighbor, it's just a good opportunity
and a great feeling,” said Keith Wallace, with
Dominion’s Customer Solutions. “We encourage
anybody and everybody to come out and try it."
“I knew it was going to be a good day as soon as I saw the truck
outside my window!” That was the greeting the volunteers received
when they pulled up with the Foodbank truck at Norfolk’s Cromwell
House. It is housing for low-income seniors, many of whom do not
have their own transportation. “I didn’t know if you would be here
because it’s raining,” the lady said. “Hunger doesn’t take a holiday,”
said Renee Figurelle, the Foodbank’s Chief Operating Officer.
From there, the Foodbank team that specializes in working in
inclement weather went to work, forming an assembly line to
efficiently deliver chicken, breads, fresh fruit, canned goods and
desserts to the residents who eagerly waited in line. “Thanks for
coming and helping us out today,” said Sheena Harris who lives at
the Cromwell House. “Some of us are in bad shape.”
“It’s so fulfilling to go out and meet them,” said the Foodbank’s Bob
Bailey Warehouse and Transportation Associate. “One lady told me
all she had to eat was some peas in the freezer. She asked me if
she could hug my neck.”
Thank you to Harris Teeter for
your great support
Harris Teeter, in its 9th year hosted a Harvest
Feast in store campaign and provided
assistance to community members in need
by asking their customers from October
26 – November 29, to donate money or
nonperishable food to their local Foodbank.
We are so excited that Harris Teeter with the support of their
local shoppers netted us $81,193.68.
Now more than ever, community members including hardworking
adults, children and seniors need our help putting food on the table.
We would like to say a special thank you to our local Harris Teeter
store managers and employees for their great support!
Dominion Virginia Power Volunteer
Checkered
Flag
In 2012 Checkered Flag
initiated a partnership program with United Way
agencies. Each dealership has adopted an
agency within the United Way to provide services
through employee volunteer time.
The program is designed to encourage Checkered
Flag employees to donate their time and talent
and give back to their community. Each employee
will be paid for eight hours of volunteer time at one
of our United Way adopted agencies.
We are pleased to announce Checkered Flag
BMW has selected the Foodbank of Southeastern
Virginia as their adopted agency.
8
Food Drive
News
People Helping People
The Holiday Assistance Program (HAP) from NAS Oceana collected
thousands of pounds of donated canned and dry food items over the
2011 holiday season. After feeding over a thousand military personnel
and their families, there was still an abundance of food items
remaining. What better a gift than to donate the remaining items to the
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
Sam Warren from the Regional Supply Office at NAS Oceana teamed
up with HAP coordinators, ABEC (SW/AW) Julio Altuna and ANH1
(AW/SW) Crystal Bethea to complete the donation to the Foodbank.
Mr. Warren states, “I have been working with the US Navy Food/
Holiday Assistance Program since 2000. In spite of these challenging
economic times, the outpouring of generosity this year was amazing.
It has been my genuine pleasure to work with this program. Our
civilian sector has united to show their concern and appreciation for
all that the military does for our country by contributing to the Holiday
Assistance Program in great numbers. Our military, by contributing to
the Foodbank, is showing how much they appreciate the support and
all that the civilian sector has done for them as well. This is what the
‘United’ in United States means to me.”
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia distributed over 15
million pounds of food last year to more than 400,000 individuals
in our service area. Mr. Scott Richards, the Food Sourcing Manager
from the Foodbank explained the on-going need that the Foodbank
faces on a daily basis. This year’s sizable donation from HAP of 1,421
pounds of food will go far to help with the needs in the community. The
Foodbank sends their warmest thanks to the military that helped make
this possible.
ABEC (AWSW) Julio Altuna, Paul Brillion (Foodbank driver),
CDR Trent Kalp, and Scott
Governor’s Bowl
Chamber of
Commerce Challenge
The Federation of
Virginia Food Banks is
excited to announce
the “Governor’s Bowl
Chamber of Commerce
Challenge.” This statewide food and fund
drive represents a
partnership between the
Federation, the Office of
the Governor, and the
Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The drive
challenges Virginia’s business community
and government offices to raise food and
funds for their local food banks in a time of
increased demand but decreased donations.
Taking place between Memorial Day and
Independence Day, this food and fund drive
will help fill the shelves in the seven Virginia
food banks during the difficult summer months
when supplies run low.
Governor McDonnell has a long history of
supporting Virginia food banks. Modeled on
the successful “Legal Food Frenzy” launched
by then-Attorney General McDonnell, the
“Governor’s Bowl Chamber of Commerce
Challenge” takes the competition to Virginia
businesses and government offices who will
compete to receive awards for small, medium
and large Chambers of Commerce as well as
a winning government office. Donations will
be collected by businesses, Chamber offices,
and government offices, as well as through
direct donations on each food bank website.
Winners will be announced in July, with the
Governor contacting each winning Chamber
and government office personally. Each
winner will receive a hand-crafted ceramic
bowl made by a Virginia artist.
The Federation looks forward to seeing
Virginia businesses and government
offices take up this challenge and join us in
supporting our mission of “building collective
power within our network to create a hungerfree region.”
To register go to www.vachamber.com/page/
vagovernorsbowl and click on the Register
Here button on the left.
9
Q&A
Board Secretary/Treasurer Kathryn J. Abshire
Please tell us more yourself.
I am married to a wonderful husband and have a
beautiful three year old daughter who is the light of our
lives. I am very fortunate to have a terrific job with an
outstanding organization, Children’s Hospital of The
King’s Daughters, where I serve as the Vice President of
Finance. Prior to that I spent 14 years with KPMG in the
audit practice.
When did you get involved with the Foodbank of
Southeastern Virginia and why?
I am not exactly sure when, but several years ago. The
answer to the why portion of the question is that I was
feeling a strong sense of guilt and selfishness about not
doing enough for others. The feeling would always come
flooding over me over the holidays when I would hear the
song on the radio about the children in Africa not getting
snow at Christmastime, with the refrain “Feed the World”
reverberating around the car. That song still wrecks me
every time I hear it. Well, every year I would tell myself
that I needed to do something to help. And every year,
I wouldn’t do anything to help, other than throw a few
bucks in the community fund at church or the Salvation
Army bucket as I made my way into the store to do MY
holiday shopping and enjoy MY holiday season. It was all
about me, me and me for the most part. Finally, I decided
that it was time to take the plunge and I called the
Foodbank. It was simply that easy and here I am today. I
should have done it sooner!
What are the biggest challenges facing the Foodbank
in the next three years?
Growing demand for services, shortage of donated food
supplies from large suppliers and shortage of ‘local
presence’ major donors with a passion for the cause.
What legacy would you like to leave during your term
of service on the board?
The Foodbank has a long, rich history of serving our
community and doing it well, but it also has a long
trajectory ahead and will require even more in terms of
funding to meet the ever-increasing need. I hope that we
as a board can do more to enhance partnerships and
bring in new donors to commit the necessary funding to
enable us to maintain our fiscal strength for many, many
years to come. At the end of the day, money buys food.
Ways to Include the Foodbank in
Your Estate Planning
There are countless ways to include the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia when
looking at your financial plans, but the three easiest ways are:
1. A bequest in your will – Typically personal property or assets, a bequest
in your will is one of the easiest ways to help the Foodbank continue the
work they do long after your lifetime.
2. A gift of life insurance – When you name the Foodbank as the
beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you’re transferring the ownership of
that policy to the Foodbank.
3. Retirement plan gift – You can name the Foodbank as the beneficiary of
all or part of an IRA or retirement plan account after your lifetime.
Leave a legacy of more smiling faces
and less hungry stomachs by including
the Foodbank in your estate planning.
If you have made to decision to include the Foodbank in your estate planning,
please let us know! We realize many of you may have made such a decision, and
we would like to recognize you as a benefactor as we lead the effort to eliminate
hunger in our community. Additionally, if you choose to involve the Foodbank in
your estate plans in the future, please contact Marianne Smith Vargas,
Chief Philanthropy Officer at 757-314-4548, or e-mail her at
msmith@foodbankonline.org.
10
Capital
Campaign
Update
Down the Home Stretch!
As we wind down the fundraising for our Nourishing Hope – Bringing More Food
to More People Capital Campaign, we wanted to share some of the progress and
impact of the renovations that have been completed.
Two of the newest upgrades are the modernization of our warehouse dock doors
and the repaving of our loading dock pad. Why is this so exciting? Ask any of
our warehouse workers how these improvements save them time. Now they can
focus more attention on providing more food to the hungry in our area.
Bob Galewski,
Facilities Manager
Elliot Simon,
Truck Driver/Warehouseman
We’d like to introduce you to Bob Galewski, our
Facilities Manager at the Foodbank. Recently, Bob
shared his enthusiasm, stating “since raising the
doors a month ago, we have already had two loads
of donated food come in that one staff member
completely unloaded in less than 45 minutes.
Before the new doors were installed, this job would
have taken four to five to unload using three to four
warehouse staff. Also, the ability to use a forklift for
double palleted loads instead of unloading them
manually is such a savings. We can now utilize
staff that was previously involved in the unloading
process to perform other tasks that specifically
affect food distribution. What a gift!”
Loading Dock Pad Repave Begins
Ruts and Standing Water
Now meet, Elliot Simon, Truck Driver/
Warehouseman at the Foodbank. Prior to the
resurfacing, chunks of asphalt and holes riddled
the loading dock pad. Now, with the new pad down,
“this makes our jobs easier and we can complete
a delivery more quickly,” said Elliot. “So much
time was spent on backing our trucks up to the
dock doors because there wasn’t a flat surface to
maneuver. It also has prevented flooding back there
so food deliveries are more seamless.”
Our capital improvements may not be glamorous to look at, but the end result is
truly beautiful – more food is distributed to a community in need.
We are pleased to bring you our capital updates and will continue to keep
you informed on our progress. Thank you to all who have made these
renovations possible.
New Loading Dock Entry
For more information on capital campaign improvements, please contact
Marianne Smith Vargas, Chief Philanthropy Officer at (757) 314-4548 or
msmith@foodbankonline.org.
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together
is progress. Working together is success.”
- Henry Ford
11
Save the Date
May 12, 2012
National Association of Letter Carriers’
Food Drive
May 12, 2012
Tour de Shore
May 18-19, 2012
Girl Scout Food Drive
May 26 – August 19, 2012
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
PRESENTS “ANDY WARHOL: PORTRAITS”,
Virginia Beach
May 28, 2012 - Foodbank Closed
June 15 – August 31, 2012
Color Me Caring, Baker’s Crust Restaurants
Through December 31, 2012
Yard House Restaurant Virginia Beach –
Round It Up America®
July 14, 2012
Eastern Shore’s Music for the Hungry
September 3, 2012 - Foodbank Closed
September, 2012
Hunger Action Month
United Day of Caring
CONTACT US
Senior Editor: Susan Mayo
(757) 314-4570
smayo@foodbankonline.org
Editor: Stacey Brandon
(757) 314-4577
sbrandon@foodbankonline.org
If you would like to receive our
e-newsletters and event notices, please
visit www.foodbankonline.org to sign-up.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and
the Eastern Shore is a proud member of:
A Member Of
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia earned a 4-star
rating from Charity Navigator. This distinction means
the Foodbank, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization,
outperformed most charities in America in areas of
efficiency, fiscal integrity, and effectiveness. A copy of
our financial statements is available upon request from
the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs,
P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218.
Other Ways to Support
the Foodbank
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is proud to work with Feeding
America on raising awareness of hunger in our community and
nationally. If you are traveling around the country or just around the
region and shopping or eating, here is how Feeding America along
with local participating Foodbanks, like the Foodbank of Southeastern
Virginia, can benefit from support to events coming up in our area
and nationally.
Cheesecake Factory - Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake
September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012
Once again, The Cheesecake Factory will donate $0.25 per slice
of their Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake to Feeding America.
The program will generate a minimum donation of $500,000 which
will be split 50/50 between Feeding America and local members.
By visiting the local Cheesecake Factory in Virginia Beach and
ordering this cheesecake, you will be supporting the Foodbank of
Southeastern Virginia.
ConAgra Foods 2012 Child Hunger Ends Here
This spring, ConAgra Foods is teaming up with Jewel, Jay Sean and
Owl City to introduce an original song, “Here’s Hope” as part of their
Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. To participate, consumers can enter
the eight-digit purchase code from specially marked packages of select
ConAgra Foods brands at www.childhungerendshere.com. For each
code entered through 8/31/12, ConAgra Foods will donate one meal to
Feeding America.
Consumers can also submit their zip code to enter their local
Feeding America food bank into a competition to receive an 80,000
meal donation ($10,000) from ConAgra Foods. In return for entering
a code, consumers can also download original versions of the “Here’s
Hope” song. The campaign website also includes exclusive interviews,
messages and behind-the-scenes videos from the artists.
Outnumber Hunger - April - May 2012
With a goal to help feed local families, the Outnumber Hunger campaign
will secure more than 15 million meals for the Feeding America network.
Purchase participating products and enter codes from these packages
by clicking the "Enter My Code" button at www.outnumberhunger.com.
Each code you enter from participating General Mills brands will
help Feeding America® secure 5 meals for your local food bank.
We have NAP credits available
The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), a program of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, encourages partnerships between the private and public sectors to
assist the economically disadvantaged. State tax credits are provided as incentives
for businesses and individuals. The program requires a minimum gift amount to
qualify. For more information, please contact Karen Joyner, CFO, (757) 314-4547.
In accordance with Federal law and internal policy, the Foodbank is prohibited to
discriminate in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status,
religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all
or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all
prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative
means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
should contact the Foodbank’s Chief Financial Officer at 757-314-4547. The Foodbank is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 12