AMA STEPS Forward®’s Post

🌟 Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Panther Party's Free Breakfast Program🖤 In 1968, under the leadership of Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, the Black Panther Party initiated their groundbreaking Free Breakfast Program in West Oakland. What began modestly, serving 11 children on its inaugural day, quickly transformed into a vital lifeline for over 20,000 kids/day in 1968-1969, nationwide. Building on the success of the free breakfast program, the Panthers' Free Food Program established food pantries to support adults as well. Their commitment to nourishing the bodies and minds of their community members solidified their profound understanding that hunger is not just a physical condition but also a systemic injustice. The Panthers' initiatives transcended past food. They established free medical clinics staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, and medical students, often housed in low-rent facilities donated by supportive community members. These clinics served as symbols of solidarity in neighborhoods underserved by traditional healthcare systems. Yet, the Panthers' impact extended beyond their direct services too. They leveraged their grassroots network to advocate for systemic change, rallying local businesses for donations and boycotting those who refused to participate in their effort to build community solidarity. Their efforts spoke volumes and represented the power of collective action. Though many aspects of their work were considered controversial in their time, today many recognize The Black Panther Party as powerful role models of community organization and activism that addressed systemic injustices like food insecurity long before many organizations like ours came into existence. Today, we honor their monumental contributions to fighting hunger in their communities. 💙 If you're interested in learning more about the work of the Black Panthers, we encourage you watch the incredible Oakland Museum's Black Panther documentary: https://lnkd.in/e_q4WjPE Photo credits (in order): Stephen Shames, William P. Straeter, Jones Pirkle, Stephen Shames, Howard Bingham #FoodJustice #FoodInsecurity #BlackPanthers #blackhistorymonth

🚐 The Safety Care-a-Van made a big impact in its first year! 🌟 18 community events attended 🔒 1,299 pieces of safety equipment distributed to families 📝 548 safety surveys completed from 45 ZIP codes Your voices were heard! The top concerns from our Safety Survey: 1. Not enough exercise, poor eating habits, and bullying are the top unhealthy behaviors parents wish to change. 2. Access to healthcare, nutrition, and mental health are the biggest health issues for families. 3. Medication storage lockboxes and gun locks are the most needed safety equipment. 4. Nearly 40% of respondents aren’t using age-appropriate car seats. To learn more about the Safety Care-a-van visit, https://lnkd.in/eDfHHmWq. The Safety Care-a-Van is funded by the Irvin F. and Alice S. Estcorn Charitable Foundation in partnership with Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Yea it’s a five minute video, who watches those anymore! However, if you followed us over the course of Serve Week 2024 (The Ocho) this is an awesome wrap up and great work by the team. We try and use LinkedIn to open a window into our culture. And while Foundry Commercial isn’t perfect and we will always have work to do in pursuit of our standards, I think this is one of the things we get really right. We are a services company and spending time with these amazing organizations, which we encourage you to check out and support, reminds us what true service looks like. It is a week where we try to give back and we always end up getting so much more than we give. Great job Lauren and the entire Serve Week support team. #foundrycommercial #itspersonal #theocho #serveweek2024

Have You Considered Supporting a Non-Traditional Space Serving Thousands Each Month? At The StoreHouse, we’re not just another food bank. As Maryland’s first Black-run food bank, we are a non-traditional space dedicated to serving over 28,000 families in the greater DMV area, providing them with fresh, nutritious food in a dignified and loving environment. But our mission doesn’t stop there. We’re expanding our reach, building alliances with other nonprofits, and empowering communities across Maryland. To continue this vital work, we need YOUR help. We are seeking: • Sponsors: Partner with us to ensure we can continue providing fresh, healthy food to thousands each month. Your support will directly impact families in need and provide visibility for your brand in a cause that matters. • Volunteers: Join us on the frontlines of service. Whether it’s helping at our monthly distributions, supporting our events, or offering your professional skills, your time can make a difference. • Advocates: Spread the word about our mission. Your voice can help us reach new partners, secure vital resources, and grow our impact. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to support a mission-driven organization that serves with love and dignity, consider joining The StoreHouse community. Email us at info@themeljohnson.org to book your spot to connect. Let’s work together to serve those who need it most! #CommunitySupport #NonProfit #FoodBank #VolunteersNeeded #SponsorshipOpportunity #Advocacy

There’s plenty of food in America; yet 1 in 7 people (including 1 in 5 kids) still don’t have the food they need to thrive so we’re doing something a little different this year. To commemorate our third annual National Traffic Door Day, which celebrates traffic doors and the businesses that use them to keep customers and employees safe, we want to make a positive impact in the communities where we operate and reside. As part of our commitment to giving back, we are delighted to announce our support for Feeding America during the month of September, in observance of #HungerActionMonth. For every action taken, including posting a selfie with a traffic door, following the Chase & Eliason LinkedIn pages, liking our social media posts, and sharing our content, we will donate $10 to Feeding America. Furthermore, on September 28, we will double our contributions for each action performed. We believe that by coming together and taking these simple actions, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger. Join us in this initiative and help us make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities. To learn more about National Traffic Door Day go to https://lnkd.in/gfkBS69S and use #NationalTrafficDoorDay on social media platforms. #NationalTrafficDoorDay #HungerActionMonth #trafficdoors

There’s plenty of food in America; yet 1 in 7 people (including 1 in 5 kids) still don’t have the food they need to thrive so we’re doing something a little different this year. To commemorate our third annual National Traffic Door Day, which celebrates traffic doors and the businesses that use them to keep customers and employees safe, we want to make a positive impact in the communities where we operate and reside. As part of our commitment to giving back, we are delighted to announce our support for Feeding America during the month of September, in observance of #HungerActionMonth. For every action taken, including posting a selfie with a traffic door, following the Chase & Eliason LinkedIn pages, liking our social media posts, and sharing our content, we will donate $10 to Feeding America. Furthermore, on September 28, we will double our contributions for each action performed. We believe that by coming together and taking these simple actions, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger. Join us in this initiative and help us make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities. To learn more about National Traffic Door Day go to https://lnkd.in/decG5Mg8 and use #NationalTrafficDoorDay on social media platforms. #NationalTrafficDoorDay #HungerActionMonth #trafficdoor

Join Building Impact in fighting against summer hunger for families in need by contributing to their Summer Food Drive. In Massachusetts, 36% of surveyed households with children reported that their child is food insecure. With summer break coming up for kids, many families who rely on school-provided breakfasts and lunches may be struggling to purchase food. 100% of all donations will go to their three partners: Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), Boston Medical Center (BMC)'s Preventative Food Pantry, and People Helping People, Inc. - Burlington MA to help deliver meals. Together, through Building Impact, our community can ensure that these partners distribute nutritious groceries by providing local families with essential sustenance throughout the summer: https://lnkd.in/eHi7tG5y #PhilanthropicFriday #BuildingImpact #SummerFoodDrive

This evening, my daughter and I had the joy of assembling “cake bags” for our local little food pantry. In our small town, a local homeowner (and cofounder of Do Good Wisconsin), set up a donation box outside his home, allowing the community to support those in need. After reflecting on some of the challenges food pantry recipients face, like not always having the luxury items (such as eggs or oil) to prepare certain foods, I wanted to do something special. I also realized that pantry staples are often focused on necessities, but we all deserve the chance to celebrate — especially when times are tough. Three years ago, I came across the idea that you can make a cake using just a can of soda, and that’s when the concept of “cake bags” was born. We pair cake mix with a soda (for easy baking), add frosting and sprinkles, and include simple instructions. After doing this before and it being well received, I knew I needed to do it again. We made 12 bags in total, and my hope is that these little cake kits bring a smile to someone’s face and allow them to celebrate a special day. Life has been pretty stressful lately, but I find that when things get tough, one of the best ways to cope is by spreading kindness. I feel incredibly blessed to be in a position where I can give back. Having been on the other side before, I recognize how close we all can be to needing this kind of support. Giving in this way reminds me how small acts of kindness can create moments of joy, even in difficult times. Interested in making your own kits to donate? I’m happy to email the instruction slips to you to print yourself! Comment below or message me. #CommunitySupport #KindnessMatters #DoGoodWisconsin #SmallActsBigImpact #Gratitude

Welcome Table Menu for April 21st 🍎 Please share with your community Join us this Sunday, April 21st, for Pasta and Turkey Meatballs or Pasta and Veggie Meatballs. Feel free to come by for our peanut butter and jelly takeout option if you can’t sit for a meal. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in NYC experiences food insecurity? That’s where we step in. In the face of the hunger crisis gripping NYC, providing nourishment isn’t just about filling empty stomachs; it’s about upholding the dignity and humanity of every individual struggling to make ends meet. While our guests come for the meal, they stay for the community, friendship, and experience of security. While most soup kitchens in NYC are closed on Sundays, we’re here to make sure people can have a nutritious meal even on the weekend. If you wish to donate or volunteer with the Welcome Table, please visit https://lnkd.in/eThq2GVa. #xaviermission #welcometable #soupkitchen #nycnonprofits #nycevents #nycfreeevents #nonprofitlife #hunger #hungercrisis #feedthehungry #empower #communityaid #communityimpact #transforminglives

Food security remains a huge issue in New York City, especially as food costs have skyrocketed over the last several years. Unfortunately, many Brooklynites do not always know where their next meal will come from. At BCS, we’re working to feed Brooklyn with our New York Food for New York Families program. We also explore this issue further in our new blog post, which goes live later this week! Statistic Source: New York Community Service Society, 2023 #wearebcs #foodinsecurity #NYCfoodinsecurity #NYCnonprofit #Brooklynnonprofit #Brooklyn #statistics