SmartBrief Food & Beverage’s Post

*GRANT ALERT** Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger Community Food Grants available for food pantries. Colorado’s new Community Food Grants support all qualifying emergency food assistance providers with funding, specifically the procurement and distribution of healthy, culturally relevant foods in communities, while also championing local agriculture. The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger administers the grant program, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services. Both food pantries and food banks are key partners in addressing hunger across Colorado. With these funds, food pantries can acquire and distribute food directly to individuals and families as aligned with community needs and priorities. Similarly, food banks can buy food in bulk and distribute the entirety of their grant purchases to the 1,200 food pantries in their agency networks. This 2024 - 2025 funding opportunity is only open to food pantries; the Blueprint has already awarded food banks with their portion of the funding. Requests can range from $5,000 - $50,000, with a total of $1 million available for food pantries. The online application closes on Friday, September 6, at 5 p.m. MST. We intend to notify applicants about funding decisions by Tuesday, October 15. https://lnkd.in/gJNUaHvw

TGIF...skipped this last week but back at it. It's another edition of a #feelgoodfriday news story. This time, we tackle hunger. Something that shouldn't be an issue in this world given the wonders of resources we have, the amount we waste and access to it. Yet, here we are. The other issue with hunger is that those that can't afford food also feel a loss of dignity because they've hit hard times. Well today, I bring to you a food bank that's not only feeding people, but also giving back dignity. The Regina Food Bank has created the first free grocery store! " The Food Hub will be stocked like any old grocery store, and unlike similar projects that operate out of churches or community centers, it will feature a produce section, floor-to-ceiling display fridges, and be open all week." “When you give choices, you give not just dignity, but actually, we figure we can feed about 25% more people.” David Froh, MA, CITP Give this story a quick read. In 3 min, this will help you walk into the weekend with a little hope for #humanity! Take a bow Regina Food Bank and may others follow your lead! https://lnkd.in/eQPiSDXb

I invite you to read, comment, and share my last article in the CT Mirror about Food Insecurity and the reasons why we need to support our local food pantries. #foodinsecurity #endhunger

2023 has been a tough year for many, especially the increasing number of those suffering from food insecurity. That's why this holiday season, Edlong CEO & Owner, Laurette Rondenet is shining a light on companies and organizations making a difference in their communities. Read more to find out how these Food Heroes and our industry, as a whole, can work to make hunger a thing of the past. https://bit.ly/4ah6frv #Edlong #EdlongFlavors #Article #BlogPost #FoodDevelopment #FoodInnovation #FoodInsecurity #FoodHeroes

Your neighbor is hungry. Help us ensure our lawmakers prioritize food security for every Kentuckian. Your advocacy can make a difference in ensuring fresh, wholesome food reaches our neighbors facing food insecurity. How you can help: Urge Congress to Pass a Strong Farm Bill (https://lnkd.in/ej6e64pH). Help combat hunger by advocating for a robust farm bill! A strong farm bill would include vital provisions such as increased nutrition and agriculture funding, maintaining USDA's authority to support U.S.-grown food during market disruptions, and strengthening programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to meet rising food needs. Maintain SNAP Benefits for All The Kentucky House has passed HB367 (bit.ly/housebill367ky). This bill would jeopardize SNAP benefits for 24,500 households, cost Kentucky taxpayers $2.3 million in unnecessary annual administrative costs, and remove $110.4 million in consumer spending from the Kentucky economy. Reach out to your state senator (https://lnkd.in/efM4mnHv) and members (bit.ly/legislaturekygov) of the Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. Tell them that HB367 is a bad bill that is harmful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Support Farms to Food Banks Help provide nutritious, locally grown produce to those in need by urging the Kentucky General Assembly to fund Farms to Food Banks (https://lnkd.in/eNDRUnD5). This initiative not only fights hunger but also promotes healthier eating habits, addressing chronic health issues prevalent among food-insecure households. Tell your state legislator (https://lnkd.in/efM4mnHv) to support Farms to Food Banks. Join Hunger Free Kentucky Day Make your voice heard at Hunger Free Kentucky Day on March 13, 2024! Join Feeding Kentucky and fellow advocates at the State Capitol in Frankfort for a day dedicated to addressing hunger issues. Register now (bit.ly/HungerFreeKYDay) to be a part of this impactful event!

Arkansas, we have a pressing challenge to tackle: food insecurity. With recent data revealing that our state has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation, action is urgently needed. Approximately 20% of Arkansans currently face this issue, impacting their health and productivity. We cannot overlook the importance of providing access to nutritious, affordable food for all. Join the conversation and explore how we can come together to build a stronger, more resilient future. #FoodInsecurity #ArkansasStrong #BuildingCommunities https://lnkd.in/eyETq6NP

“The state is leaving nearly $3.5 billion in unused federal food benefits on the table because 30% of eligible residents aren’t signed up to receive them, one of the worst rates in the country,” reports Joe Garofoli with the San Francisco Chronicle. CalFresh is one of the most effective tools to address food insecurity. That’s why the San Francisco Marin Food Bank co-sponsored AB1967, a bill to create a cabinet-level food insecurity officer to reduce the bureaucracy that prevents families from getting benefits they’re eligible for and money needed to buy their children healthy food. We’re helping to lead the way, advocating for CalFresh reform, so that our state can unlock $3.5B in federal dollars for 2.7 million low-income individuals. Ending hunger requires taking action to make it a reality, and your support of the Food bank is vital. Read the full article: https://loom.ly/kEaaMFg

Here’s what you need to know about CalFresh! ➡️ May is #CalFreshAwarenessMonth, and ensuring that people have access to nutritious food is more urgent than ever. CalFresh EBT (or SNAP, as it is known federally) provides critical aid to help 5 million food-insecure Californians put healthy food on the table. However, as California faces a budget deficit, this successful statewide program is in danger of being completely cut, which would be devastating for food-insecure families and small and mid-sized family farms. Learn about the latest updates to CalFresh and what you can do to protect and preserve California’s food safety net. https://lnkd.in/ggWpb2cz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/1/2023 BONNEY LAKE FOOD BANK REBRANDS TO GOODROOTS NORTHWEST, EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY OF EXPANSION AND RENEWED COMMITMENT (Buckley, WA) – In a significant milestone for the Bonney Lake Food Bank, a beloved nonprofit organization with deep roots in the community, today marks the official unveiling of its new identity: GoodRoots Northwest. This rebranding initiative is a strategic response to the organization's evolution and expansion, reflecting its commitment to building strong, resilient, and self-sufficient communities. Established in 2009 with a mission to alleviate hunger and food insecurity, the Bonney Lake Food Bank has played a vital role as a cornerstone in the community. Over time, the organization's impact grew beyond its original vision, leading to a comprehensive transformation and the decision to adopt a new name that better represents its regional reach and comprehensive approach to community support. The organization evolved beyond its initial scope under the leadership of dedicated staff and volunteers. With a culture of dignity first, a focus on fresh and nutritional offerings, and exceptional customer service, the Bonney Lake Food Bank expanded its services and programs. Implementing 24/7 locker service, a commitment to childhood development through providing healthy foods to youth, and collaborations with local farmers, food producers, and other nonprofits are just a few examples of the organization's innovative approach to tackling food insecurity. The decision to rebrand was made to recognize the need for a name that better encapsulates the organization's growth and impact. After a year of thoughtful consideration and collaboration with the marketing firm Hemisphere Design and Marketing, we are proud to introduce GoodRoots Northwest as the new name for the organization. "GoodRoots" was carefully selected to symbolize the organization's dedication to building strong, resilient, and self-sufficient communities. Like a healthy tree with deep and strong roots that provide stability, nourishment, and support to everyone, GoodRoots embodies the belief that a thriving community is built on the foundation of its roots. The organization will undergo a strategic rebranding process in the upcoming months, updating its website, social media profiles, and marketing materials. The unveiling of a vibrant new logo and brand visuals is a testament to the fresh energy and purpose behind the name change. "While the name may have changed, the mission of GoodRoots remains unwavering: to ensure food security and empower communities to thrive," said Stacey Crnich, CEO of GoodRoots Northwest. "Our commitment to sustainable solutions and addressing the root causes of hunger is more evident than ever. The transition to GoodRoots is not just a name change; it reflects our continued dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve." ###

Nourishing Communities: Stories of Hope in the Fight Against Hunger In the battle against food insecurity, meet two local heroes making a difference: FeedMe Bellarine and Surf Coast ('FeedMe') and The Outpost. These initiatives tackle hunger with heart and innovation, responding to rising demand highlighted by the Food For Thought Research. FeedMe Bellarine and Surf Coast: Where Kindness Takes the Lead Since 2019, FeedMe has been a lifeline for 2,000 families weekly. What sets them apart? A 'no questions asked' policy and a focus on volunteer wellbeing. Despite challenges, FeedMe leads with empathy, kindness, and sustainable practices. Collaborations with fine dining establishments showcase their commitment to promoting food sustainability and security. Addressing availability, stability, and utilisation in food security, FeedMe emerges as a true community leader. The Outpost: A Rock of Consistency For 33 years, The Outpost has been a central community hub, serving 1,200 people monthly with cooked meals and unwavering consistency. Challenges abound, yet The Outpost remains committed to its 'no questions asked' approach. With a 50% surge in service usage and growing complexity of needs, The Outpost's journey is marked by resilience. Space constraints limit their potential, but their generosity and the community's volunteer spirit remain strong enablers. Future Directions and Collaborative Opportunities FeedMe and The Outpost face challenges, but their commitment to fostering community, trust, and accessibility is unwavering. The future holds promise, with opportunities for nutritional content packaging, outreach services, and collaborative efforts to address gaps in food security. As these organisations continue to be pillars of support, they remind us that the fight against food insecurity is not just about providing meals but also about fostering a sense of belonging, understanding, and care. In a world that sometimes feels divided, FeedMe and The Outpost stand as beacons of hope, proving that kindness and generosity can truly nourish a community. #CommunityHeroes #FoodSecurity #KindnessInAction