Claire Stradling FREC’s Post

Government funding plays a crucial role in supporting organizations like Food Depot Alimentaire, which supply essential resources to food banks and soup kitchens across New Brunswick. Stephane Sirois, Food Depot Alimentaire's executive director, emphasized the significance of this funding, with an additional $1 million contribution announced by the provincial government. Sirois highlights its impact on ensuring that food banks and community kitchens can provide a variety of fresh produce to those in need. However, as visits to food banks and soup kitchens continue to rise, it's clear that long-term solutions are needed to address food insecurity effectively. The 35% increase in visits last year highlights the urgency of this issue, with more families relying on these services for support. At Greener Village, we recognize the importance of addressing food insecurity beyond immediate relief efforts. By advocating for sustainable solutions and supporting initiatives that promote access to nutritious food for all, we can work towards building a healthier and more resilient community. Join us in our mission to combat food insecurity and support families in need. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that no one goes hungry. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/g-FKWSH5 #FoodSecurity #CommunitySupport #EndHunger

As we wrap up Earth Month, take a moment to think about what happens to fresh, healthy food that doesn't get eaten following an event or other gathering. If you’re in Omaha and choosing where to eat this weekend or where to host an upcoming event, opt for a restaurant or food vendor that supports the work of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue. Here’s why perishable food rescue is important: 🥦 Wasted Food: In the U.S, more than 30% of food available goes unsold or uneaten. While a very small portion of this is donated to those in need, the vast majority becomes “wasted food,” going straight to the landfill. 🥕 Food Insecurity: Food insecurity is about more than experiencing hunger. People often lack access to healthy foods, such as produce, meat, fresh milk and eggs – the exact types of food that make up most of the wasted food. 🌎 The Environment: Wasted food is bad for our environment. Not only is wasted food a drain on natural and economic resources, wasted food in the landfill creates harmful greenhouse gases adding to global climate change. I’m so proud to serve on the board of Saving Grace, Omaha’s only dedicated perishable food rescue service in our community that connects local food vendors to organizations that serve people in Omaha experiencing food insecurity. Check out the full list of our food vendor partners here: https://lnkd.in/g3R3wec8 Shout out to the awesome staff and my fellow board members for their dedication to the cause! Lenli Corbett Lonnie Michael Jr. Rita Clark Beth Ostdiek Smith Thomas Hall Andrew H. Wong Jack Holmes, CFA Anna Cramer Nathan Browne Ada W. Robert Kaminski, MBA, PMP

💫 It's here! The December issue of the Food Policy Debrief has officially dropped in your inbox 💫 📩 This month we broke down… ✅ A better way to give back this holiday season ✅ A meal company’s festive food donation campaign ✅ Why the Farm Bill saga never seems to end 🎄 And a festive bonus: Our team’s must-have holiday favorite foods! 📩 Read December’s Food Policy Debrief to dive into all the latest developments in the food industry: https://lnkd.in/eYSMta4X 😱 Wait, you’re not subscribed to our newsletter?! Don’t worry, you can still catch today’s issue on our website—because don't want you missing out on all these standout food stories. #FarmBill #AgPolicy #Newsletter #FoodPolicy #SocialImpact #fooddonation #foodstories #holidayfavorites

Food Insecurity is a Community Crisis! Our community is facing a food insecurity crisis. Oak Tree 9 will help educate, support, and raise awareness about the amazing work Guelph/Wellington charities do to help people in our community access the nutritious food they need to thrive. Guided by a panel of expert community judges who understand the social, economic and logistical challenges involved, we are inviting local charities to submit applications for our $20,000 grand prize. The money can be used to expand or create programming that will get healthy and nutritious food to those who need it. Building Community Through Food Security Food security is a simple concept that requires a lot of complex coordination. At its core, food security is having consistent, reliable access to safe and nutritious food that brings nourishment and joy. Food security needs a lot of systems (production, storage, distribution and retail) to work closely together. It also requires everyone to have the financial means they need to buy food that is meaningful to them. In addition to being a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, and a basic human right, food security is a social, economic and environmental driver for our community. Like the other social determinants of health that The Oak Tree Project has explored, food security is an opportunity to build a more equitable, vibrant and resilient community. While it’s easy to overlook the importance of food security when it is not a personal challenge, it is a real barrier for many families to reach their full potential. According to recent data, as many as 1 in 4 children in Ontario lives in a food insecure household, and 18% of households in Guelph-Wellington identify as food insecure. Most of us likely know someone who worries about where their next meal will come from. #OakTreeProject #HopeHouseGuelph @oaktreeproject9

From Marie Feazell: If you are planning on helping families at a food bank this season, things you probably don’t know. 1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks. 2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of. 3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles. 4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops. 5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of. 6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift. 7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care. 8. Sugar and flour are treats. 9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores. 10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some. 11. They rarely get fresh meat. 12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch. 13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef. 14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread. 15. Butter or margarine is nice too. 16. Eggs are a real commodity. 17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake. 18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated. 19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that. 20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing. In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me! Credit goes to the original author. #foodbanks #food #donate #fooddonations

Here’s some information on the #foodrecovery aspect of #SB1383. Did you know that the state law requires large generators of #surplusfood to donate it? Read more: https://loom.ly/-kXAn4c

#FoodForThought: Addressing institutional #FoodWaste is a significant challenge...but it is doable! While the Good Samaritan Act offers federal liability protection for surplus food donations, California stands out as the first state to mandate this practice. This pioneering approach makes California's program a crucial statewide experiment that could shape how other regions tackle food waste across the country. https://loom.ly/bhs-8ho #SurplusFood #FoodPolicy

Feeding Hope: The Role of Charities in Tackling Food Insecurity This Thanksgiving in Canada As Thanksgiving approaches on October 14, 2024, Canadians are reminded of the importance of gratitude and community. However, this holiday highlights a pressing issue for many: food insecurity. With rising living costs and economic uncertainty, many families find it challenging to provide a festive meal. This year, the spotlight is on charities stepping up to make a difference. A Growing Concern Food insecurity is not just a statistic; it's a pressing issue that affects millions of Canadians, making it difficult for individuals and families to access nutritious food. According to recent reports, one in eight households struggles with food access, exacerbated by economic challenges and inflation. As Thanksgiving symbolizes abundance and togetherness, we must urgently address this disparity and ensure everyone can partake in the holiday spirit. Charities Making an Impact This Thanksgiving, various charities across Canada are not just making efforts but making a significant impact by alleviating food insecurity. Their relentless efforts, from gathering donations to distributing food hampers and hosting community meals, are a beacon of hope. Many charities encourage Canadians to donate non-perishable food items or monetary contributions to help stock their shelves, further amplifying their impact. Engaging the Community Community members are invited to volunteer their time at food banks or organize local food drives in the spirit of giving. Schools, businesses, and families can come together to host events that raise awareness and support for those in need. Businesses, in particular, can play a significant role by organizing food drives among their employees or making monetary contributions to local food banks. Canadians can strengthen community ties by sharing resources and encouraging kindness while combating hunger. Government Support The government has recognized and prioritized the need for increased support for food security initiatives. Their commitment to programs to assist low-income families and support local food systems is vital; they are the backbone of community resilience, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in our collective response to this issue. A Call to Action As we prepare for Thanksgiving this year, let us reflect on the values of compassion and community. By supporting charities and participating in local initiatives, we can ensure that no one is left behind during this season of gratitude. Together, we can feed hope and foster a sense of belonging for all Canadians, making this Thanksgiving a celebration of unity and kindness.

What does "dignified" really mean when it comes to food access? At Food Stash Foundation, we believe dignity goes beyond simply providing food—it’s about creating an experience that prioritizes respect, choice, and inclusivity. Here’s how we bring this vision to life: 🍎 Prioritizing Choice: We listen to our Rescued Food Box members' dietary restrictions and preferences. ⏰ Respecting Time: Our Market members receive time slots so they don’t have to wait in long lines. 💳 Breaking Barriers: No ID or proof of need is required to access our programs—just come as you are. 🚚 Supporting Partners: Community partners build relationships with our drivers to select food that fits their specific programs. Want to learn more about how we’re reducing food waste and ensuring dignified access to rescued food? Visit us at https://lnkd.in/gq5F_585 #FoodWaste #DignifiedAccess #FoodRescue #FoodStashFoundation

USDA funding boosts #Mississippi Food Network’s fresh produce distribution. As the holiday season approaches, funding from the #USDA's Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program is allowing the Mississippi Food Network to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables to distribute through its 430 partner agencies to families in need. Runion adds the network is teaming up with a local television station for a "Turkey Drive" on Thursday. Volunteers will collect donated turkeys and other grocery items outside Kroger stores. Last year, they collected more than 1,100 turkeys and $12,000. This year's goal is to exceed 1,100 turkeys and raise $15,000. Comments from Adam Runion, Communications Coordinator, Mississippi Food Network. https://lnkd.in/e9HMtvMN