Second Harvest North Florida Volume 12 • Issue 2 • December 2010 www.WeNourishHope.org
Happenings
a newsletter for member agencies
SNAP outreach reduces demand on feeding programs
Each month, more than $6 million in SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps) go unclaimed in northeast Florida (Nassau, Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties). That represents a lot of groceries that families in need could be purchasing and lost revenue for local businesses. Second Harvest member agencies can reduce the demand on their feeding programs by ensuring that the people receiving food from them access the benefits for which they are potentially eligible. Second Harvest will send a trained staff member to
agency sites to work one-on-one with clients to help them complete the sign-up process.
Holiday Closings Please note that Second Harvest will be closed in observance of the Holidays on the following days:
For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Evelda Ash, 904.517.5563 or eash@WeNourishHope.org
Reminder:
Food Lion’s MVP Reward program feeds hungry people
Thanks to everyone for helping make this year’s first annual Second Harvest Family Helpings a success. On Thursday, Nov. 18, Second Harvest North Florida was able to distribute 1,000 turkey dinners to needy families. The dinners were made possible through generous contributions from Food Lion and Black Diamond Performance Reporting Group as well as a host of volunteers from both of these outstanding businesses.
How It Works Enroll by linking your MVP Card(s) to Second Harvest North Florida, and then every time you shop and present your MVP Card, the amount you spend on qualified items is automatically credited to Second Harvest to help feed people in need.
Next year, we hope to expand our distribution to 5,000 turkey dinners.
Mon.-Thurs.............7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fridays............................7:15 a.m.-noon
All that is needed is a quiet space with a table, chairs and wall outlet to accommodate our mobile, electronic sign-up system. Second Harvest can also supply agencies with information and supplies to help educate customers about what additional assistance is available for them.
Thanksgiving food giveaway huge success
While 1,000 turkey dinners is no small accomplishment, we know that the need continues to exceed our current resources.
Second Harvest Hours of Operation
Double Credit Days If you shop on the 10th of each month, Second Harvest earns double credit on Food Lion brand purchases. To register your MVP card, go to: www.foodlion.com; Second Harvest North Florida’s Organization Code is 252366.
Do you have questions about or need training on how to use our website or the new SHNF Plus+ purchase program? Contact: Jim Chynoweth Agency Relations Director 904.517.5553, fax 904.358.4281 jchynoweth@WeNourishHope.org
• Thursday, Dec. 23 • Friday, Dec. 24 • Friday, Dec. 31
Please be sure that you share this newsletter with all your staff and volunteers to be sure that everyone who is involved with your feeding program is aware of the latest news and updates.
Recent News: Website: For those of you who have not yet visited our new agency website, please, visit us at: Members.WeNourishHope.org Username: Second Password: Harvest We have made a great deal of information available for our partners, please take some time to explore the website, visit each of the sub-sections listed in the blue bar at the top of the screen and watch the welcome video we’ve posted providing an overview of the site. SHNF Plus+: As a reminder, Second Harvest North Florida now has a food purchase program available to all our member agencies. SHNF Plus+ exists to help you fill in potential gaps in your agency’s inventory by offering a selection of dry shelf stable grocery items at cost. Since we are able to buy in large bulk quantities, our prices are better than those of other retailers and of course we are passing on all the savings to you. For more information, please contact Elliot Darkatsh at 5175554 or edarkatsh@WeNourishHope.org
WE STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET. I TRY TO FEED MY KIDS FIRST AND ME LAST.” “I WORK WITH CLIENTS WHO DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT. THEY ARE CHILDREN AND MANY TIMES THEY CAN N ONCENTRATE ON THEIR STUDIES, BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FOOD IN THE HOME.” “IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OFTEN [THAT WE HAVE TO USE THE FOOD BANK], ONLY WHEN WORK SLOWS DOW WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO AVOID IT.” “WE STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET. I TRY TO FEED MY KIDS FIRST AND ME LAST.” “I WORK WITH CLIENTS WHO DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT. THEY A HILDREN AND MANY TIMES THEY CAN NOT CONCENTRATE ON THEIR STUDIES, BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FOOD IN THE HOME. “IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OFTEN [THAT WE HAVE TO USE THE FO