Festival Foods’ Post

Your acts of kindness could create a ripple effect! Check out the "12 Months of Giving" calendar from State Farm and see how you could make a difference throughout the year. #PositiveChange #StateFarm12MonthsOfGiving http://ow.ly/uWss30syPtQ

Mutual aid is at the heart of everything we do at Kaizen. As a refugee-founded and refugee-led food access nonprofit org, we know firsthand the power of coming together. We survived the pandemic by coming together. You can’t get more grassroots than this. It’s about humans supporting humans, making sure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food—because we all deserve it. And yes, we grow food too! Rather than relying solely on outside help, we’re building a stronger, more self-sufficient community. Through our food aggregation programs, grassroots advocacy, guerrilla marketing, and community-grown food, we’re not just providing food—we’re part of a movement bigger than us, led by those directly impacted.🌱 How can we, as a community, continue to support each other and drive lasting change?

Every. Moment. Matters. In the world of service and philanthropy, we often focus on the act of giving – our time, resources, love, and hope. But what if we paused to consider the other side of this equation: the act of receiving? We know that every act of service, no matter how small, creates a ripple of impact. When we pause to consider the gifts that we receive…a sense of purpose, a moment of connection, a feeling of making a tangible difference in an overwhelming world…the impact becomes far greater. This perspective shift can be incredibly empowering. When we understand that in giving, we also receive, we open ourselves up to the full experience of service. We receive gratitude, lessons in humility, and a deeper connection to our community and humanity. It helps us recognize that our small actions are not just drops in the ocean; they are part of a larger, more beautiful tapestry of interconnectedness. So, as we continue to give, we should also be more open to receiving, right? I’m making a conscious commitment to bring more awareness to receiving so that I can embrace the joy, the learning, and the fulfillment that comes with it. Because in the grand scheme of things, every act of service is a two-way street, enriching both the giver and the receiver. Thank you Providence Health Plan and Oregon Food Bank for the opportunity today to give our time and to also receive the blessing of connection and understanding that every moment matters. #GivingAndReceiving #HealthForAll #FoodForAll #NationalVolunteerWeek #EveryMomentMatters

The British philosopher John Gray wrote, “We are who we are because of the places in which we grow up, the accents and friends we acquire by chance, the burdens we have not chosen but somehow learn to cope with. Real communities are always local-places in which people have put down roots and are willing to put up with the burdens of living together..." Places, roots, accents, friends, loyalties, caring, burdens & responsibilities. An authentic & organic community is held together by a set of first principles or virtues and values just like a built structure is supported by a firm foundation, by brick and mortar, stone & concrete, by sets of columns & beams etc. In the case of the physical structure, remove the supports and the structure will come tumbling down, collapsing under its own weight into a pile of rubble. The same is true of organic communities which are also like structures, built with effort, care, love and compassion over long spans of time, held in place by the firm supports of human values and the glue of human relationships. Without love, caring and compassion, without commitment, without the willingness to shoulder duties & responsibilities, local communities cannot survive, cannot thrive. Keep up the good work.

February wraps up, feeling like a year's end in just two months! How's your 2024 so far? Any lessons shaping your path ahead? This month brought valuable experiences: 1. Volunteering at a FairPrice outlet during CNY work highlighted the importance of every cent. What seems small to some is substantial to others. 2. Respect is earned. CNY volunteering witnessed customers handing food to our frontliners, showing that kindness matters more than material things. 3. At a community event, the majority assumed one choice was wisest, but a thoughtful minority's alternative proved best—a reminder to be mindful of choices. March awaits with these insights. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." 🚀 #FebruaryReflections #LifeLessons #WisdomThursday #GrowthMindset

Yesterday, I had the privilege of volunteering at the Allegheny County Food Bank, where our team packed 960 boxes of essential food items for senior citizens in our community. This experience was not only fulfilling but also a vivid reflection of the values I embrace daily at Amazon. 📦 **Customer Obsession**: Each box was packed with the understanding that we're not just sending food; we're sending care, nutrition, and respect to those who need it most. 🔗 **Ownership**: Taking ownership of our collective goal, each volunteer was integral in ensuring we met our target. It was a powerful reminder that every effort counts, no matter the scale. 🔄 **Invent and Simplify**: We streamlined the packing process, implementing a simple assembly line that maximized efficiency and minimized wait times. Innovation isn't just for the workplace; it thrives wherever there's a need. 👫 **Hire and Develop the Best**: Working alongside volunteers from diverse backgrounds, it was clear that a community thrives when it leverages varied skills towards a common good. 🎯 **Deliver Results**: The goal was ambitious, but so was our commitment. Packing 960 boxes meant 960 opportunities to make a difference, and we delivered. This experience was a powerful reminder of how the principles that guide us professionally also resonate in our community contributions. I am proud to be part of a team that not only supports, but encourages us to give back. Here’s to making a difference, one box at a time! #Volunteering #CommunityService #LeadershipInAction #AmazonLeadershipPrinciples #DeliveringSmiles Amazon

So many easy ways to take action and end hunger now. Check out the link below to learn more.

Neighbors are the heartbeat of a community, the pillars of support we can always rely on. 🏡 This Saturday, let's come together as a community and lend a helping hand to our neighbors who may need a little extra support. It is incredible how much of an impact small acts of kindness can have on someone’s day! → Offer to mow their lawn or gather leaves from their yard - simple gestures can make a big difference. → Prepare a home-cooked meal and drop it off at their doorstep to brighten up their day. → Help with grocery shopping or errands for those who may find it challenging to get out. → Check in on elderly neighbors for a friendly chat and some companionship. → Share information about local resources they might benefit from, such as food banks or community programs. Let's spread positivity and kindness this Saturday by showing that a little help goes such a long way! 🌺 Together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion that will resonate throughout our neighborhood. #CommunityMatters #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #saturday #neighborly

📢 ATTN: those looking to hire folks in their 20s!?! "Half of Gen Zers would turn down a job that doesn't align with their beliefs." Companies that commit to volunteering can present a extraordinary pull for alluring new talent. --> Read more in this blog by the #Learn_It_All, Erin George 💙

Celebrate your achievements - big or small. Every victory matters; it signifies progress and sets the stage for future success. Here's what we can celebrate: → completed a major task early → successfully followed a budget → achieved this week's sales goals → received a thank you from a client → volunteered at a community food drive → connected with a new industry contact → mastered a new app to streamline tasks → enjoyed a rejuvenating long hike with a friend → resolved a complex issue that was a headache Take a moment to reflect on your recent achievements. How will you celebrate them? #MentalHealthAwareness #SmallWins