Inside this issue - Montgomery Area Food Bank

August 2015 Edition 79
Inside this issue
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Our BOD President
2 Food and Fund drives
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From the Director
3 The Best Volunteers
8
Facing our CHallenge
4 A Special Agency
9
A Big Thank You
5 Kids to the Rescue
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This time around, instead of words FROM our President, we wanted to include some
words ABOUT our Board of Directors president—Tony Baggiano.
Mr. Baggiano has been part of the MAFB family since 2008, and was elected to the position of
BOD Vice-President in 2013 and then to President in 2015. He has had an amazing life—and
we are confident that he will continue to put his experience and skills to work for MAFB.
Our Tony has an extensive background of more than thirty years of leadership experience at
the highest levels in the military, in private industry, government, and educational institutions.
His expertise comes from his participation in so many different areas- including his professional life, his education, and his
outside interest. Much of his life was spent in service to his country, and he retired from his military career as a Full Colonel.
Much of his education came from The Citadel and from professional military education— but the thing that caught my eye was
his M.S. Mathematics/Computer Science from Texas A&M - because my dad was a Texas Aggie – Gig ‘Em Aggies! He has given
his time to many organizations such as the United States Olympic Committee, the USA Water Ski Association, and the Central
Alabama Football and Basketball Associations, Air Force Assoc., Retired Officers Assoc., the Boys Clubs of America, and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars – just to name a few. And—he has extensive experience as an official at the college level in both
football and basketball.
Tony was very instrumental in our fund raising for the new building we recently moved into. He was so committed to meeting
our goals, we felt very confident that with him leading our fund raising efforts, we would succeed – and we did! He has been
an involved leader, and it is easy to see that he believes in MAFB’s mission.
Basically, this says that he is a great man for the job! But best of all – along with all of his experience, he also has a kind heart,
and that combination just cannot be beat! While a little belated, we want him to know how grateful we are that he has
stepped up and into these responsibilities, and look forward to working with him during his term as our BOD President.
Gretchen
Board of Directors
President
Tony Baggiano, Community Leader
Montgomery Hispanic SDA Church
Earl Heath, Community Leader
Kim Ramsey, Women’s Leadership Director
ALFA Farmers Federation
Vice President
Peter A. Vandervoort, Community Leader
Wayne Hilgers, Community Leader
Craig Stapley, Director, Production
Hyundai MMA
Secretary
Gariesa Galbreath, Community Leader
Caryn Hughes, Aliant Bank
Montgomery/Auburn Regional President
Dr. Melodie A. Jones, DMD
Bill Stevenson, President
Stevenson Consulting LLC
Treasurer
Sarah H Moore, Administrator
Alabama Credit Union
Tenesia Jones, Community Leader
Alabama Community Programs
Directors
Sam Adams, Executive Director
Adams Family Ent., LLC.
Bill Kelley, Director of Benefits
Employees Retirement Systems of AL
Dr. Bob Wildzunas
QA & Systems Ops
Walmart Logistics/DC
Katrina Spooney-Martin, Supervisor
ALFA ,Life Policy Owner Services
Bryan Wilson,
President of BOD-Welcome—Partner Agency
Olivia Martin, Asst. Attorney General
Alabama Public Utilities
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Richard Allen, Attorney
Cappell & Howard, PC
Denise Berkhalter, APR-Director PR
Alabama Assoc. of School Boards
Bobby Brown, President
Wiley Sanders Trucking Co., Inc.
Ernie Faulkner, Manager
Member Services & Economic Development
Dixie Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Nilton Garcia, Ministerial Director
Jerome Moore, President
Moore Company Realty & Property Management
Sherry Nath, Community Leader
Dan Newcomer, Community Leader
Lawrence Oakley, Senior V.P.
Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley
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Quenten Wentworth
Division President, US Foods
Clynt Hart, CPA
Warren Averett, LLC
Warren Marshall Business Development
Marshall Design-Build, LLC
We are now into the first month of our FY2016 and things are finally settling down from the
past couple of years of completing construction on the new 23,600 sq. ft. facility addition,
configuring it and getting it into full operation, and growing into and utilizing the added
efficiencies it provides. All this plus added repairs on the current facility, maintenance and
repair costs on aging equipment and salaries for much needed new staff to support this
growth have put a strain on our finances -- FY2015 was a tough year to budget for and still
operate at the higher tempo called for. But, we did it!
As I am reviewing our End of Year financials for the just completed FY2015, with all of the above paid for, I was able to
report to you and to our BOD at our July meeting that we came very close to meeting our planned budget in FY2015
and that we are in a sound financial position moving into FY2016 -- but need to work on again building up our
operating reserves.
With an eye on 2016 and on the future beyond that, our BOD has established goals that they hope and plan to
accomplish in the next year that focus on obtaining the financial support for much needed new equipment and
additional equipment and facility repair. They may be calling on you.
If/when they do, we are confident that you collectively will respond as you have in the past – with sincere and
enthusiastic support.
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On a sadder note, we want to take a moment to remember a long-time supporter and
former President of our MAFB Board of Directors, Bonner Patrick, 78, who died
peacefully on 18 July while surrounded by his family. Bonner had a distinguished career,
both in the military and in the business world where in his last position as President of
Capital Refrigeration Co., Inc. he supported the MAFB in many ways that ushered us into
the substantial refrigerated component of our operation that we enjoy today.
Bonner also served on our Board of Directors for 16 years in many positions to include
Vice President and President where he was always a very active supporter and leader.
Parke
Montgomery Area Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Provider
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If you were to ask anyone here at the food bank what our biggest challenge is at this time—the answer would (of course)
depend on who you asked! That’s the thing about MAFB—we aren’t like many organizations that have an objective, put
together a game plan, put it into operation, get it done…. And then, step back and enjoy the satisfaction of completing the
mission. We have an objective. We have a game plan—and we get lots of stuff done—but the thing is...Hunger never stops.
Never. It is present 24/7/365. Until science figures out how to change the human body into something that does not need to
eat to survive, humans will always need food. The need to eat is the single most important need (other than the need to
breath) that drives us as human beings. While food tastes vary from individual to individual, from families to families, and even
between areas of the world—the actual need to eat is simply part of living on this planet. If you are a living organism—be it
animal or even vegetable—you need food. Food may be used for many purposes—to celebrate family, as part of religious
ceremonies, as gifts, but its primary purpose is for survival. While we at MAFB see the individual victories, and know the
positive effect we have had on people’s lives, the end is nowhere in sight. This reality is our biggest challenge… because staying
with a job that you know will never be finished can be overwhelming at times.
There are many reasons we have been as successful as we have—but the main factor is our support base. In other words, do
not underestimate what you do when you give us your support. Funds, food, time, and words of encouragement are all
important. Consider events in your past when you faced a particularly difficult job. The prospect of tackling it seemed
daunting—depressing even. Then, one person stepped up and offered a hand, and suddenly—it was ok. You became
re-energized, and the next thing you knew—the job was done. You really do make a difference, and have impacted one life at a
time—one family at a time. The job we have been given is huge, and the importance of food in people’s lives just cannot be
underestimated.
How we provide that food has evolved, because it has become abundantly clear that while it would be easier to just give people
food and then move on—that is only part of our job. The process of helping someone without damaging their spirit is
essential—because that spirit is the driving force behind their resolve to work their way back to independence. It is vital that we
meet the need, but not lose sight of problems underlying the need and the solutions that we can be a part of. The truth is—
sometimes we forget that we all have something of value to contribute…. Even (or maybe most especially) those being assisted
with food. Reminding them of this and providing that proverbial “hand up not a hand out”, allows every person associated with
MAFB (both those who give and those who receive) the opportunity to become a positive influence on Alabama’s future.
Gretchen
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then
just feed one.”
Mother Teresa
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Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) Team
Members held their annual Food and Fund drive in
support of the Montgomery Area Food Bank during the
month of July. However, this year Montgomery-based
automotive suppliers teamed-up with HMMA, and the
results were amazing. The check in the picture may say
$28,143.91—but they were apparently not done! The
final total they raised was $30,508.73 and more than
4,000 pounds of food!
When approaching the podium during this morning’s
check presentation and revealing of the final totals,
MAFB Deputy Director David Fata’s first words may
have put our feelings best, when he said…”WOW!”
Photograph courtesy of Shannon Heupel
Montgomery Advertiser
Hyundai consistently reveals their determination to
connect to the people of Alabama, particularly in our
neck of the woods. They have shown themselves to be
willing and able to do more than their share. Their
“team” consists of everyone who works for Hyundai, and clearly understand that there is nothing they can give that is too big or
too small. It all counts, and it all makes a difference.
Craig Stapley, right, the director of production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery (and a member of our BOD) presents a check to David Fata,
deputy director of the Montgomery Area Food Bank
We truly appreciate the generosity of everyone involved and wish to repeat David’s final words…”On behalf of our neighbors in
need; thank you. Thank you very, very much.”
Another BIG “Thank you” goes to Alagasco for
their contribution in support of MAFB through
their offer to assist the installation of natural
gas equipment in our facility expansion. We
were happy to accept their donation, because
we knew that the use of natural gas would
assist our efforts at making our facility as
efficiently run as possible. Mr. Marvin Price,
Commercial Business Representative for
Alagasco, followed through with their pledge,
and was kind enough to deliver the check in
person.
The support donated by Alagasco is one of
many reasons we were able to come in on time
and on budget. More importantly, their support
allows us to use our finances to do the most
important thing – feed the hungry we care so
much about.
Mr. Marvin Price presenting the check to Parke Hinman—in the new section of our
facility. Maintaining a building this size is no easy task so the generosity of
companies like ALagasco sure does help.
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FOOD AND FUND DRIVES
NALC 2015 FOOD DRIVE
The NALC food drive is super special because it gives people all over the nation the
opportunity to come together for a mutual cause. Feeding the hungry is one thing
we all believe is important. Thanks to each of you who took the time to place that
bag of food out by your mail box.
This year our total was 76,165 locally. If you include the pounds from our four
PDOs, the grand total was 156,504 pounds—or—that equivalent in meals. That is
a lot of food for the hungry in our area who turn to us for assistance. Here you can
see it in our warehouse, and truly appreciate the effect it will have on our mission.
WSFA—DIXIE ELECTRIC—CUMULOUS BROADCASTING along with WALMART
SUMMER FOOD/FUND DRIVE
This year their joint efforts raised 6,147 lbs and $7,842 in donations!
It was hot outside in front of the Chantilly Walmart—but it didn’t stop folks from
giving. People from all around took the time to drive out to the Chantilly Walmart
and do their part for MAFB and the hungry.
One thing we have learned from participation in these events is that many of the
people who give often have to dig deep into their pockets—and should probably be
one of the folks on the receiving end. They have figured out that what they have to
offer is important and isn’t related to the size of the donation—but rather the size of
the heart. Watching someone give to our mission, knowing that it will probably
make their own life a bit more difficult—teaches a lesson in caring and humility.
Also, we saw so many kids this year who wanted to help… another positive sign.
From a can of soup to pallets of food, each donation will contribute its part to
Feeding Hope.
FEDS FEED FAMILIES—JUNE-AUGUST
“Feds Feed Families" is a voluntary effort supported by Federal
employees across the country who take time outside of their
workday to collect and donate food for those in need. Since 2009,
the campaign has donated almost 39 million pounds of food to
families and individuals in need. All Federal agencies across the
country participate. Federal employees donate both perishable and
non-perishable food items throughout the summer .
Additionally, Maxwell has raised a total to date of 973 lbs of MREs
(Meals Ready to Eat). I know you wonder why in the world we
would want MREs, but consider how important they become when
a disaster hits. People are without electricity, without water—but
still need food. What can
do the job better than
MREs?
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AARP Chapter 528 is currently hosting
a food & fund drive in support of the
Montgomery Area Food Bank. AARP
and several of it's chapters have been
dedicated to volunteering and hosting
food/fund drives on our behalf for
several years. For more information on
how to help serve your community on
our mission to fight hunger in
Alabama, contact your local
AARP chapter.
WELCOME TO NEW AGENCIES
Without our agencies, we would be a warehouse full of food. Our agencies are the hands that make sure the food gets to the
people and into the homes that need it. We wanted to say welcome to the following new agencies:
FORTIFIED CITY REVIVAL
CONFERENCE CENTER
This Bullock County church has a big
spirit, and has been in operation
about 10 years. They are still
recovering from having lost of their
church building due to fire. Initially,
they will be operating a food pantry,
with plans for a "Meals on Wheels"
program, a Senior Supplement Box
program, as well as various events for
their neighborhood during the
holidays.
CRENSHAW COMMUNITY DAY CARE
This is an Adult Day Care in a rural part
of Crenshaw County They serve 26
clients Mon. through Fri. each week
and provide breakfast, lunch, & snack.
We look forward to helping these
clients receive nutritional food.
MADISON CHASE LLC
This agency is a residential 12-step
program for Veterans. Located in
down-town Montgomery in an old
home, it is well situated for their
purposes, and can house up to 15
veterans. The residents partner with
another MAFB agency, Reality & Truth providing the labor to hand out food to
homeless in various areas of the city.
We are so pleased to be able to help our
veterans who have sacrificed for us.
STEP
This agency is operating a day care for
kids in Hayneville. They have a daily
feeding program and tutor children in
the hopes of helping them come up to
grade level. Helping children make the
best use of their education is one of the
most important things we can do for
them.
HISTORIC WARD CHAPEL
AME CHURCH
An Autauga County agency who is
focusing on children initially. They are
set up to feed 50 children a meal each
day through the summer, but it could
easily go past that number quickly. As
they observe the response to their
program, and get to know more people
around the area, they will have a better
idea as to what their next step will be.
We are looking forward to seeing what
that will be.
RESTORATION BAPTIST CHURCH
WESTSIDE COC
This is a small church that has
converted a doctor's office into their
church building. They plan to start out
on an "as needed" basis for their
emergency pantry, and focusing on the
needs of seniors in the area. The
church already works with a
nursing/retirement home directly
across the street, and plan on
expanding their outreach to them.
This is a large church that has been
around for about 92 years. They
outgrew their previous building, and
are now using the entire old Harrison
Elementary School. Their vision is to
provide on-site-feeding to local
residents 2-3 days/week, a pantry to
be open 3-4 days/week, and a
childhood learning center that will
feed children a meal and snacks daily.
UNITY UNITED COC
This church plans to provide back-packs
for school children during the school
term, with plans for an emergency food
pantry, a supplemental food program,
on-site feeding (for Seniors), and
Holiday programs.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to
the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Nelson Mandela
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VOLUNTEERS:
We have 50—200 volunteers each month, and we cannot express how much we appreciate them. They do things like:
Sort through Big Lots donations….
Or pallets of cereal
But— it is the nature of food-banking to take the food that others do not want,
make it better, and then feed hungry folks with it.
Our volunteers are a critical part of this process.
456 Senior Supplement boxes are
packed each month by
UPS volunteers
FOR INSTANCE—we received a
tractor trailer load of cabbage
that looked like this:
Till our faithful volunteers jumped on the project
And made it look like this!
Were it not for them, most
of that load would have
had to be wasted. Just
don’t mention the word
“cabbage” around them for
a while yet!
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Tennille UMC became an MAFB partner agency in 2014 and has been going full-tilt-boogie ever since. On our cover are
pictures of a structure designed and built SPECIFICALLY for our Mobile Pantry program. It was a community effort—design,
and all material and labor was donated by local residents. Their first Mobile Pantry using the structure was July 14, 2015…. And
was a DOUBLE Mobile Pantry that distributed 22,052 pounds of food! The building design allows the pallets of food to be
placed in the center of the building, with two corridors along each side. This gives them the space for two rows of cars to drive
through. The roof allows the MP to go on even if raining. This project was not a half-done job, folks. It was done with a lot of
care, and HARD WORK, and I would venture to say, sacrifice. WELL DONE TENNILLE UMC. We are so very proud of you all.
If you want to see an example of what a community that
works together looks like, then head on to Tennille UMC.
This is a group of people who saw a problem, found a
solution, and then came together to make it happen.
Their love for the people around them could not be more
obvious. We know that it is agencies like this that are
responsible for so much hunger relief . These folks don’t
just talk the talk—they walk the walk.
Here is a picture of what the future of the
Tennille mobile pantry food program looks like.
I would like to introduce you to Ms. Kathy
Stockstill. A very talented young woman who
plays the guitar, the piano, sings, and speaks
Chinese! When so many other people her age
would be vegging out in front of the TV in an air
conditioned house, she can be seen here, helping
distribute the Mobile Pantry. We truly want to
express our pride and gratitude for this young
woman—who is beautiful both inside and out.
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The last few issues of our newsletter have emphasized the importance of both the family meal, and knowing how to grow your
own food. Each of these things can have an impact on our state’s future—because it can impact families and individuals in a
positive way. Strengthening our families, and acquiring a skill
that can contribute to independence are important for all of us.
The response from the younger generation has been amazing.
We wanted to share some of their beautiful smiles —and the
fruit of their labor with you.
True Divine in early stages of planting. Updates as they come in.
When kids come to our door with baskets and boxes of
produce, it is hard not to smile a lot. People down the hall
come out of their offices to see what the young folks have
brought… and we are never disappointed. Children learning
to turn seeds into a meal—and then wanting to share it—is
one of the most encouraging and heartening things that
happens at MAFB. We are proud of these kids, their parents,
and their schools. As adults, we can learn a lot
from their example.
Best Buds
These handsome young men have
good reason for the smiles on their
faces. Seen with some of the produce
they grew and gave it to MAFB! Aren’t
they just the cutest!
A
LABAMA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
The produce donated to the Montgomery Area Foodbank from Alabama Christian Academy has been grown
thanks to a grant from Katie’s Krops. Katie’s Krops was started by Katie Stagliano, a young lady in South
Carolina who had a vision for feeding people in need. From the Katie’s Krops website,
“The idea for Katie’s Krops began with a 9 year old girl and a 40 pound cabbage. In 2008 Katie brought
home a tiny cabbage seedling from school as part of the Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program.
She tended to her cabbage and cared for it until it grew to an amazing 40 pounds. Knowing her cabbage
was special she donated it to a soup kitchen where it helped to feed over 275 people. Moved by the
experience of seeing how many people could benefit from the donation of fresh produce to soup
kitchens, Katie decided to start vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to help feed people in need.”
Breanna Estes applied for and was awarded the grant, and with permission of her principal, Mr. Doug Black, Alabama
Christian Academy was chosen for the location of the garden. The grant included a gift card to be used to buy supplies.
Currently they have six raised beds measuring approximately 4’ X 8’ each.
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The garden has been a group effort with input from classes in grades K4 through 5th
grade. The students from these classes help construct and place the raised beds,
started seeds, planted, and have been involved in the maintenance of the plants.
Mr. Roosevelt Robinson of the Montgomery County Extension Service has
supervised everything from cutting of the lumber, to actual construction, filling, and
initial planting of the beds. The garden has been a wonderful educational and
outreach experience for the ACA elementary students and faculty.
As of today, July 17, 2015, they have donated 92 lbs. of produce!
Breanna and Madelyn
This is Tina, Talynn, and Jason
I love this picture. It is so American. Our
nation is depending on kids like these to
keep our nation going by learning about
independence and hard work. They have
learned that they can take a few seeds and
help feed others as well as themselves. This
kind of knowledge and skill is invaluable, and
will play a role in their future. Taking
advantage of any opportunity to make the
world a better place, clearly, they are already
a great asset.
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Montgomery Area
Food Bank
521 Trade Center St.
Montgomery, AL 36108-2107
Return Service Requested
Phone: (334) 263-3784
Fax: (334) 262-6854
Website: www.montgomeryareafoodbank.org
A Harvest of Giving
Gretchen Kindrick, Editor
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Montgomery, AL
Permit No. 331
gretchenkindrick@montgomeryareafoodbank.org
Currently in Alabama, our senior population is dealing with
problems they never believed they would have to face. The
number of seniors needing assistance grows daily. One of the
reasons we are seeing the numbers rise is the large number of
“Baby Boomers” who are retiring. Our senior poverty rate far
outstrips the national average of 9%, which in Alabama jumps
to 11.6%. Sadder still, in our service area 15.6% of seniors are
living in poverty.
are guaranteed to be used to help acquire the food for seniors
already enrolled in the program, or allow us to add another
senior to the recipient list. If you would like further
information about our SSP, please give Cheri a call at:
334-263-3784 or email her at
cheriodell@montgomeryareafoodbank.org
More than half (58%) of households with a
member age 50 to 64 have unpaid medical or
hospital bills. A significant portion of these
individuals have to choose between paying for
food and paying for medical care or utilities—or
transportation and even housing at least once in
the past year. Our Senior Supplement Program
(SSP) is designed to address senior poverty and
hunger in a very direct, efficient way. Currently,
456 Seniors receive a box of nutritious
non-perishable food every month, with
additional food provided in November and
December for holiday meals. The delivery is
timed to arrive when there is more month than
there is money to meet their needs. We want to
enroll additional seniors to reach our current
goal of serving 500.
Donations to MAFB can be specifically directed Two of MAFB’s precious Senior Supplement Recipients. Knowing we can help them
and many other brings great joy
to the Senior Supplement Program. Those funds
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