South Carolina Food Bank Retreat August 23, 2016 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM Clemson Lakehouse • 900 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC
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ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA, INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SENIORS AND CHILDREN STRUGGLE WITH HUNGER ON A DAILY BASIS. Those struggling with food insecurity face the burden of not only getting enough to eat, but also accessing nutrient-rich foods that promote health and help reduce risk of chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, South Carolina consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for obesity. In addition, Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap estimates that approximately 794,590 individuals are food insecure. There is a need for partners from public health, agriculture, food banks, state and local government agencies, healthcare, and non-profits to come together to improve South Carolinians’ health through increasing access to healthy foods. The 2016 Food Bank Retreat is a time for partners from various sectors to join together in addressing strategies to strengthen South Carolinians’ access to healthy foods. Thank you to our sponsors and a special thank you to Dr. Dave Lamie, Sarah Pinson, Sydney Singhass, and Sandra Anderson for assisting with the planning of this retreat.
Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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RETREAT SCHEDULE » PURPOSE: To provide a time for food bank staff and community leaders to learn, network, and collaborate. In addition, to brainstorm strategies for increasing nutrition education, sourcing and distribution of produce at food banks. » 9: 30 AM – 10:00 AM
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING Light breakfast will be served.
» 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
WELCOME Lori Phillips, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
» 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
PRESENTATION: NUTRITION EDUCATION AT FOOD BANKS Dana Mitchel, Lowcountry Food Bank
» 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM » 11:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Facilitated Table Conversation on Nutrition Education at Food Banks NETWORKING AND LUNCH Brief Updates from Food Banks
» 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
PRESENTATION: SOURCING PRODUCE FOR FOOD BANKS Don Harris, Feeding America
» 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Facilitated Table Conversation on Sourcing Produce for Food Banks
» 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION Amy Weaver, Farm to Institution Carrie Draper, SC Food Policy Council Anna Lange, Don’t Waste Food SC
» 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
CALL TO ACTION: CULTIVATING COLLABORATION ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA Aaron Wood, SC Department of Agriculture Anna Lewin, SC Community Loan Fund Dave Lamie, Clemson University Lori Phillips, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
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PRESENTATIONS NUTRITION EDUCATION AT FOOD BANKS Dana Mitchel, Lowcountry Food Bank Dana Mitchel is the Nutrition Manager at the Lowcountry Food Bank serving the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. Ms. Mitchel’s work over the past 6 years has elevated the Lowcountry Food Bank to be a leader in nutrition education. In 2015, her efforts led to the Lowcountry Food Bank becoming a SNAP Education Implementing Agency. This partnership created a sustainable funding source growing the nutrition team from one to four educators reaching over 45,000 people annually. Dana and her team empower SNAP eligible participants to utilize their resources to make healthy choices for their families. Dana has served on the South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board and the board of Eat Smart Move More Charleston. She is an adjunct instructor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, a guest lecturer at the College of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina, and a group fitness instructor. Dana graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Dietetics and Exercise Science and completed her dietetic internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
SOURCING LOCAL PRODUCE FOR FOOD BANKS Don Harris, Feeding America Don Harris’ career boasts experience in buying, wholesaling, retailing, marketing and merchandising, strategic planning, grower/shipper supply and marketing. Additionally, Harris served two terms with the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Board of Directors and played integral rolls with companies such as Safeway, Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and consulted with various produce marketers such as Naturipe and Coastline. The 40-year veteran of the produce industry, and regular columnist for PRODUCE BUSINESS magazine, will now lend his expertise to Chicago-based Feeding America as director of produce. » 4«
WHO’S WHO » AARON WOOD Aaron Wood is the Assistant Commissioner of Agency Operations for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA). Aaron is from McCormick County, where his family has a beef cattle farm and timber operation. Aaron holds a BS in Agricultural Education and a Master of Human Resource Development from Clemson University. He previously worked as Agriculture Instructor and Horticulture Program Coordinator for Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina. Prior to that position, Aaron worked in SCDA’s Marketing and Promotions Division as the Executive Director of the Soybean Board and as a marketing specialist focusing on the export of value-added agricultural products. Currently, Aaron is the Past President of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Alumni Board at Clemson University. He is also an active member of the McCormick County Forestry and Cattlemen’s Associations. In his free time, Aaron enjoys flying airplanes, running, hiking, hunting and just being outdoors.
» AMY WEAVER Amy Weaver is the Farm to Institution Director at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. She works closely with a variety of institutions to help them implement core components of the Program. She also works with local farmers to help connect them with food service directors in order to increase the number of South Carolina products served in institutional cafeterias. Prior to joining the SC Farm to Institution program team in 2013, Amy worked at the University of South Carolina on a number of research projects aimed towards improving children’s health and nutrition. She has a Master of Science in Public Health and loves trying new recipes, especially with local ingredients.
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WHO’S WHO » ANNA LANGE Anna Lange is a North Carolina native who calls Columbia, SC home. As the Recycling Market Development Manager at the SC Department of Commerce, she manages recycling infrastructure development for new and existing businesses and is the staff support for Don’t Waste Food SC, a multi-agency initiative to cut food waste in half by 2030. In 2010 she served as the project manager for Richland County’s Energy Efficiency and Community Block Grant overseeing $2.2M in federal energy and waste reduction grants. In 2012 Anna helped facilitate Richland County’s vision and strategy for sustainability by collaborating to create the Central Midlands Regional Sustainability Plan. Anna served as Richland County’s 1st Sustainability Manager during which time she directed sustainability programs, projects, and policies for the county.
» ANNA LEWIN Anna is responsible for South Carolina Community Loan Fund’s (SCCLF) community development initiatives, including the healthy food financing program. She oversees the Feeding Innovation technical assistance program and coordinates the activities of the South Carolina Food Access Task Force. Prior to joining SCCLF, Anna was Vice President of Community Initiatives at Lowcountry Food Bank. She previously worked at Operation Home and Humanities Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of Charleston and has a Master’s degree in social work.
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WHO’S WHO » CARRIE DRAPER Carrie Draper has evaluated and developed food access programs and policy, and conducted community-based research to strengthen local food systems in South Carolina and the southeastern region of the U.S. for the past 5 years. She is currently the Director of Policy and Partnership Development for the University of South Carolina’s Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities. Carrie is also the 2016 chair of the South Carolina Food Policy Council and a steering committee member of the South Carolina Food Access Task Force. Her educational background and professional identity is rooted in social work. She serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in USC’s College of Social Work, and has helped develop programs that place social workers in non-traditional settings, such as public libraries.
» DAVE LAMIE As part of Clemson University Cooperative Extension’s Agribusiness team, Dr. Lamie has served as the Director of the South Carolina New & Beginning Farmer Program for the past five years, as well as serving several related programs focused on local-regional food system development, food marketing, and community economic development. He was recently appointed by the Clemson Director of Extension to serve as Agribusiness Extension Specialist for Emerging and Small Scale Farming Programs. He recently served as the President of the international Community Development Society and chaired the SC Food Policy Council for three years. He currently chairs the Midlands Local Food Collaborative. He is Associate Professor of Applied Economics and Extension Specialist with the Clemson Agribusiness Development Extension Program.
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WHO’S WHO » LORI PHILLIPS Lori Phillips serves as the Director of the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity at the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. In this role, she leads a team of nine outstanding public health professionals to create environments that promote healthy eating and active living. She has over 18 years of experience in community-based chronic disease prevention and education. Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University in Health Science and her Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of NC at Chapel Hill. She is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, a Certified Grants Writer, and a Certified Grants Administrator. She is a South Carolina native and enjoys making the state a better place to call home.
» SANDRA ANDERSON Sandra is a Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control within the Division of Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity, and School Health. She provides program support for all activities within the division. She received her Bachelors from Columbia College and her Masters from Webster University.
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WHO’S WHO » SARAH PINSON Sarah is the Agency Relations Manager and Advocacy Committee Chair at the Lowcountry Food Bank. Prior to working at the LCFB, she received her Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University, where she focused on the intersection of food, faith, and ethics. She also recently completed the Sustainable Agriculture Certificate program through the College of Charleston and Lowcountry Local First.
» SYDNEY SINGHASS Sydney Singhass graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She practiced as a nurse in Charleston at a free clinic and a boys’ group home before she got into the food bank world. Sydney is currently the Client Services Coordinator at the Lowcountry Food Bank, where she works to connect people facing food insecurity to the resources they need. She is passionate about health promotion, disease prevention, and increasing access to basic needs among the low-income population.
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SOUTH CAROLINA FOOD BANK ASSOCIATION The South Carolina Food Bank Association (SCFBA) and its four Feeding America food bank members are 501(c)(3) organizations who utilize many resources to gather, sort, store and distribute food either at their own facilities or directly to at-risk areas in their individual service areas. With the support of both public and private institutions, their combined efforts distribute millions of pounds of food and provide millions of meals to struggling South Carolinians every year. Golden Harvest Food Bank: serving Abbeville, Allendale, Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Golden Harvest has three locations: Augusta, Aiken and Williamston. For more information visit: www.goldenharvest.org. Harvest Hope Food Bank: serving Calhoun, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter counties. Harvest Hope has 4 locations: Cayce, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. For more information visit: www.harvesthope.org. Lowcountry Food Bank: serving Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, and Williamsburg counties. Lowcountry has 3 locations: Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Yemassee. For more information visit: www.lowcountryfoodbank.org. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina: serving Cherokee, Lancaster, Spartanburg, Union, and York counties. Second Harvest has 4 locations: Hickory, Dallas, Spartanburg, and Charlotte. For more information visit: www.secondharvestmetrolina.org.
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SOUTH CAROLINA FOOD BANK ASSOCIATION The SCFBA leads the fight against hunger in South Carolina by integrating the efforts of its members and over 1,300 agency partners bringing quality nutritious food that includes shelf stable, frozen and fresh produce to the tables of those that suffer from hunger in South Carolina. Over the past year, the SCFBA has distributed over 58 million meals to help meet the meal gap (16.4%) in South Carolina.
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GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK COUNTIES SERVED
Abbeville, Allendale, Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, Oconee, and Pickens
Food – The only cure for hunger. Every year, Golden Harvest Food Bank provides millions of meals to the hungry in 30 South Carolina and Georgia counties. Back in 1982, a group of concerned citizens in Augusta, GA came together to feed the hungry. They started a food bank, and since the first food donation, Golden Harvest has grown to serve the hungry in partner-
ship with more than 300 hunger agencies like food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, elementary schools, and senior centers. Last year, Golden Harvest and its partners provided more than 14 million meals during 431,000 client visits. Golden Harvest finds, acquires, sorts, stores and distributes food from three food grade warehouses in Augusta, GA, Aiken, SC,
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and Anderson, SC. Volunteers make it happen! A network of more than 2,000 dedicated volunteers support the food bank as board members, food sorters, envelope stuffers, chefs at the Masters Table Soup Kitchen, and a dozen other roles. Golden Harvest commits to mobilizing the community in fulfilling our mission, “Feeding Lives Together.”
HARVEST HOPE FOOD BANK COUNTIES SERVED
Calhoun, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter
Since 1981, Harvest Hope Food Bank has provided food and comfort to those that suffer from hunger with over 500 hunger relief service organizations as well as their own individual efforts such as their Emergency Food Pantries, Mobile Food Pantries and Senior/Children Feeding programs. Last fiscal year, Harvest Hope provided over 27 million meals to hungry families in their vast 20 county service area.
Most recently, during the severe flooding of October 2015, Harvest Hope delivered over 2.3 million meals above their normal monthly service with the support of their charitable donors and volunteers. Harvest Hope launched Emergency Mobile Food Pantries that helped thousands of families in hard hit areas. Since inception, Harvest Hope has continued to
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increase the scope of its operations, reaching into the deepest pockets of poverty and providing over a half billion meals to hungry individuals and families in the Midlands, Pee Dee and Greater Greenville regions of South Carolina. Harvest Hope remains proud partners with the SC Food Bank Association and Feeding America, the largest charitable feeding organization in the US.
LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK COUNTIES SERVED
Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, and Williamsburg
Our mission is to lead the fight against hunger in our community. The Lowcountry Food Bank was founded in 1983 as a clearinghouse for donated food items through the generosity of both the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina and Trident United Way. The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal Counties of South Carolina and aims to distribute more than 25 million pounds of food, including 6 million pounds of fresh produce, to 200,000 families,
children and seniors in 2016. The Lowcountry Food Bank is a clearinghouse for donated food products that are distributed to a network of nearly 300 member feeding agencies including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank is a member of Feeding America and is committed to educating the public about the problems of and solutions to domestic hunger as well as advocating on behalf of our
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neighbors who experience hunger. The LCFB operates robust childhood and senior hunger programs including Backpack Buddies, School Pantry, Kids Café, Senior Grocery and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The Zucker Family Production kitchen produces more than 6,000 nutritious meals per week for low-income children and senior programs. We distribute food through our three distribution centers of Yemassee, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK COUNTIES SERVED
Cherokee, Lancaster, Spartanburg, Union, and York
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM) strives through education, advocacy and partnerships to eliminate hunger by the solicitation and distribution of food. SHFBM has been in existence since 1981. SHFBM serves 5 Upstate Counties in South Carolina along with 14 Counties in North Carolina. Collectively our region is known as Metrolina. Each year SHFBM distributes over 50 million pounds of food to a network of over 700 member feeding agen-
cies including emergency pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, low-income daycares and senior programs. This includes almost 18 million pounds of fresh produce, meat and dairy. As a member of Feeding America, SHFBM works to advocate for policies and programs to improves the lives of those in need and educates the public about the problems caused by hunger and how to be a part of the solution. In addition to distribut-
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ing food through our main warehouse in Charlotte and branches in Hickory and Dallas in North Carolina and Spartanburg in South Carolina, SHFBM also sponsors 191 Child Hunger Programs, hosts almost 500 mobile pantries annually, distributes over 150,000 backpacks annually and over 12,000 senior food boxes annually. To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina visit www.secondharvestmetrolina.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CLEMSON COOPERATIVE EXTENSION We improve the economy, environment, and well-being of South Carolinians through the delivery of unbiased research-based information and education. For more information please visit clemson.edu/extension/strategicplan.
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY Clemson University was established to fulfill our founder's vision of "a high seminary of learning" to develop "the material resources of the State" for the people of South Carolina. Nurtured by an abiding land grant commitment, Clemson has emerged as a research university with a global vision. Our primary purpose is educating undergraduate and graduate students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times. The foundation of this mission is the generation, preservation, communication, and application of knowledge. The University also is committed to the personal growth of the individual and promotes an environment of good decision making, healthy and ethical lifestyles, and tolerance and respect for others. Our distinctive character is shaped by a legacy of service, collaboration, and fellowship forged from and renewed by the spirit of Thomas Green Clemson's covenant. For more information please visit clemson.edu/brand/positioning/mission-vision.html.
FARM TO INSTITUTION South Carolina Farm to Institution works collaboratively to connect farmers with schools (k-12), preschools, hospitals, colleges and other institutions to strengthen our food system by increasing the amount of South Carolina grown and processed foods served in our state, while providing opportunities for health and agriculture education. For more information please visit scfarmtoinstitution.com.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FARM TO FOOD BANK The goal of Farm to Food Bank is to increase the amount of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables distributed at food banks and food parties. Participating Farm to Food Bank sites are committed to promoting healthy eating by distributing fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables (without added sugar, salt, or oil) along with nutrition education materials. For more information please visit scfarmtoinstitution.com/farm-to-institution.
SC FOOD POLICY COUNCIL Beginning in March 2005, volunteers formed a steering committee to begin the discussion and exploration of creating a statewide food policy council that would work towards the improvement and expansion of healthier and more informed food choices by South Carolinians. As a result of the steering committee findings, on March 17, 2006, the SC Food Policy Council (FPC) held its first general membership meeting. General members of the FPC include representatives from state government agencies, university faculty members, agricultural commodity associations, food banks, farmers, elected officials, and agribusiness representatives. The FPC serves as a forum for members to share their concerns as well as their progress on related programs and initiatives that are related to the food system here in South Carolina. The networking opportunities and the information shared at these meetings have greatly benefited many of the members of the Council as they work towards the goals of continued growth, promotion and protection of a healthy agricultural industry and a safe and plentiful food supply in South Carolina. The SCFPC exists to advance the consumption and production of healthy foods in South Carolina through education and strategic policy planning. For more information please visit www.scfoodpolicy.com.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote and nurture the growth and development of South Carolina’s agriculture industry and its related businesses while assuring the safety and security of the buying public. For more information please visit agriculture.sc.gov.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s vision is to have healthy people living in healthy communities. The mission of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and the environment. For more information please visit scdhec.gov.
SOUTH CAROLINA FOOD ACCESS TASK FORCE The SC Food Access Task Force, which consists of over 45 members from South Carolina health, policy, non-profit, and governmental agencies, was established in 2012 to provide public policy recommendations to address the barriers to equitable food access and set forth an implementation plan for a statewide, state sponsored Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). The SC Food Access Task Force is being administered by the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, a statewide non-profit that creates opportunity by financing community development that strengthens underserved communities across South Carolina. For more information, please visit sccommunityloanfund.org or scfoodaccess.com.
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NOTES
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