Stories of Hope - the quarterly newsletter from Second Harvest Heartland.

1. Stories Hope
Fall 2010
of
HUNGER AFFECTS
EVERYONE
THE NEW FACE OF HUNGER
REQUIRES A FRESH APPROACH
pg 4 ®
I N S ID E
• An inspiring Food & Fund Drive
• Working toward a Hunger-Free Minnesota
• Inside SNAP Outreach
• Above & Beyond for our hungry neighbors
pg 3 pg 6 pg 8

2. The Mission Beyond
the Mission INSPIRATION COMES
A message from our Executive Director IN SMALL PACKAGES
Stillwater boys set a fine Food & Fund example
A refreshed Second Harvest Heartland Second Harvest Heartland Food & Fund example. Two other Stillwater neighborhoods
Nine years ago, Minnesota’s two largest on food distribution, to a hunger relief of the abundance of our community—the Drives generate tons of food and hundreds of followed the example set by the boys and
food banks joined together to create Second agency that drives efficiency, innovation land, people and agriculture—that shapes thousands of dollars for our friends in need. hosted Food & Fund Drives of their own.
Harvest Heartland. Since that day, we’ve and collaboration to transform the system, our effort and fuels our conviction. The But the most important thing a Food & Fund “Sometimes all it takes to motivate and inspire
worked tirelessly not just to meet the needs enabling us to be there for every one of our pressures of the tremendous need and Drive generates? Inspiration. someone to take action is to ask,” says Natalie
of the hungry, but to make hunger relief neighbors when they need our support. changing resources of the recession have And when it comes to inspiration, no one is Waters Seum, Henry’s mother. “We sent one
more efficient, more effective and to more You—our partners, friends, colleagues, forced us to be even clearer about how we better than the dynamic duo of Henry and message to 20 Stillwater moms asking if
wholly connect our region’s abundance volunteers, donors and supporters—have invest in hunger relief, and it is our hope Dylan. The two Stillwater-area six-year-olds they and their children would be interested
with our neighbors in need. told us you want to do more, to lead, and that we can reflect that focus through our (with a little help from their moms) have in organizing their own simultaneous food
As the Midwest’s largest hunger relief to transform the lives of those who are commitment to help our hungry neighbors, organized neighborhood food drives for drive. From that single request with very
organization, we’re leading the fight counting on us. Thanks to all of you who and through honoring your commitment to three straight years, with astounding results. short notice, two additional neighborhoods
against hunger throughout the region and share the belief, and who act on your our work. In 2010, Henry and Dylan ran an official joined us this year and five more are excited
creating innovative ways to provide food conviction that our community can sustain Our challenge as an organization is to live the Food & Fund Drive and raised nearly 800 for next year. Inspiring others to do similar
to the people who need it. Every day, we and provide sustenance to our hungry Second Harvest Heartland mission every day pounds of food. The tots used a little blue work is one way that Henry and Dylan can
work with more than 1,000 hard-working neighbors in their time of need. through our words and our actions. Thank wagon to distribute 175 brown paper bags increase the impact they are able to have on
partner organizations to make sure that you for being a part of this important journey. donated by Cub Foods throughout their Oak the issue of hunger.”
Over the past 18 months, we’ve taken a Glen neighborhood. The bags were affixed
no one has to go without food. And in the closer look at what we stand for, who we The three neighborhoods generated a total
years since our founding, we have evolved -Rob Zeaske with fliers requesting that neighbors fill of 1,600 pounds of food donations and $480
help, and how we communicate. You will the bags and leave them on their porch on
from a food bank focused almost solely notice our new look and feel: a reflection for our hungry neighbors, proving that you’re
a specific day. The busy boys then collected never too young to get involved.
the 90 bags that were filled by their generous
neighbors and (again, with a little help from “I think the special part about this,” says
their moms) delivered the donations to Dylan’s mother, Katie Friend, “is that it gives
Together we are Second Harvest Heartland. all the families in the neighborhood a chance
transforming hunger relief. The best thing about our Food & Fund Drives
to participate and share some lessons about
hunger with their own children.
You can help. Mark your calendar with these events.
Go to 2harvest.org/events for more details.
is that they promote community involvement,
and Henry and Dylan’s drive is a perfect Continued on page 6
Vintner Ball
Saturday, January 29 • Westin Edina Galleria
Working toward a Hunger-Free Minnesota
All proceeds for this world-class charitable wine tasting event benefit If you live in Minnesota, you are affected Our community’s hungry face more health
Second Harvest Heartland. Vintner Ball will host the sixth annual by hunger, and Hunger-Free Minnesota issues than those who receive proper
CUISINE FOR CHANGE
First Growths, generating warmth in the heart during the chill of can prove it. nutrition, and the 40% of our hungry
Thursday, April 21 • St. Paul RiverCentre neighbors who are children tend to do
winter. This year the bar has been set even higher, with a goal of Hunger-Free Minnesota is an emerging
surpassing last year’s donations for Second Harvest Heartland and movement to end hunger in our poorly in school and face a number of
providing yet another world-class wine tasting experience. communities, initiated by a coalition of examining the state of hunger and hunger other risks ranging from depression and
Minnesota hunger relief organizations relief in Minnesota. The most recent of anti-social behavior to stunted physical
Dish is our annual gala—a wonderful opportunity
To learn more, visit vintnerball.com these studies, the University of Minnesota and cognitive development. Minnesota
for committed members of our community to come —including Second Harvest Heartland—
together over gourmet samplings, wine tasting, live united in the common belief that food is a Food Industry Center’s Cost/Benefit taxpayers pay between $1.26 billion and
and silent auctions and premiere entertainment, while Hunger Impact Study, reveals that the $1.62 billion more per year as a result of
Pound for Pound Challenge basic and essential human right that every
recognizing and reflecting on stories of success and
Now - May, 2011 Minnesotan should enjoy. The coalition effects of hunger are more far-reaching higher healthcare and education costs due
those of continued need.
attacks hunger on two fronts: with jarring, than we ever suspected. to hunger’s ravaging effects on the health,
For every pound you pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge classroom performance and psychological
insightful statistics and also with the Simply put, the Cost/Benefit Hunger
Visit dishcuisineforchange.org to reserve your will donate 13¢ to Feeding America. well-being of our community.
tickets and tables! emotional stories of our hungry neighbors. Impact Study shows that if you are a
Visit pfpchallenge.com for more details. The first initiative of Hunger-Free Minn- member of our community, hunger has Continued on page 6
esota was to present a series of studies impacted your life in some way or another.
2 Fall 2010 Fall 2010 3

3. Harvest Heartland’s western Wisconsin With more and more people requiring
Hunger can strike anyone, at any service area, with additional support from nutrition assistance, fresh food—milk, dairy,
time. Read on to learn more about
this Minnetonka family. ConAgra Foods. produce and meat—is at an all time premium
Attendance at these SFSP sites has to all hunger relief organizations. More than
exploded, nearly tripling over the first ever, it’s crucial that we work to create new
three years of the program. More than and innovative ways to provide fresh food to
750,000 grant-supported meals were our neighbors in need.
served to our hungry kids over the summer So far, so good. In 2010, the Food Rescue
of 2010, and we’re projecting to serve more program distributed more than 12 million
SFSP served more than 750,000 grant-supported than a million meals next summer. pounds of fresh food through our network:
meals to kids this summer. a 92% increase over 2009. In fact, more than
one-fifth of all the food we delivered this
Summer Food Service Program Food Rescue
year was of the fresh variety.
Summer 2010 was the third year of a The Second Harvest Heartland Food Rescue
We’re able to deliver this much produce,
partnership between the Minnesota Vikings, program is our fastest growing program.
milk and meat because we’ve reinvented
the Minnesota Department of Education and
our thinking about how to deliver these
Second Harvest Heartland, with new support
perishable goods. In many cases, Food
from Target, to expand children’s participation
Rescue drivers pick the food up at the
in the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
source and deliver it directly to a food
The goal is to improve access to SFSP by
A FRESH APPROACH TO HUNGER RELIEF
shelf, a process that saves time and keeps
increasing the number of sponsors, feeding
costs down. Second Harvest Heartland has
sites and participation at existing sites. And
even brokered direct partnerships between
Second Harvest Heartland’s effort to transform the system by making the program known.
corporate donors and local food shelves.
“When the Vikings ask hungry children It’s a more efficient way to get millions of
The need in our community continues our community about the Supplemental With so much assistance readily available, to lunch, the kids respond with joy and pounds of fresh food where it needs to go.
to grow as hunger now touches every Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, form- there is no excuse for people in our state to eagerness,” says our executive director, Rob
Minnesotan in some way. To break the grip erly known nationally as Food Stamps and in continue to go hungry. Our neighbors need to Zeaske. “The visibility around this program
hunger holds on our community, Second Minnesota as Food Support). understand the help that’s available to them. is a real breakthrough in communicating Helping today,
Harvest Heartland is pioneering new with families. ‘Free Food for Kids’ and purple solving for tomorrow
The general lack of awareness and under- “Many people who only recently had been
programs, partnerships and approaches standing about SNAP in our community is working and doing fine would never even pride make good nutrition a softer sell.” We need to do more than simply deliver food
that address the root causes of hunger. We astonishing. Our Outreach Specialists visit consider SNAP,” SNAP Outreach Specialist today. By setting up sustainable systems
For the program to fully lift off, efforts
have to not only relieve hunger; we have to food shelves, soup kitchens, and special Ali Gardner says. “They think they have to that address the root causes of hunger, we
shifted to creating awareness by
transform the hunger relief system. events throughout the Second Harvest wait until they’re at their wit’s end, when can make it so our hungry neighbors always
canvassing neighborhoods with “Kids Eat
Second Harvest Heartland programs like Heartland service area with two goals: to their savings have run out and they have no Free” door hangers, billboards and posters have access to food when they need it.
SNAP Outreach, Food Rescue and the enlighten people about SNAP and help them other alternative.” that appealed to children and parents alike. The Food Rescue program delivered 12 million For more information about SNAP, SFSP and
Summer Food Service Program take a fresh apply. The specialists report that even those A large part of the Second Harvest Heartland And grants were extended into Second pounds of fresh food in 2010. Food Rescue, visit 2harvest.org/howtohelp.
approach to issues often overlooked in the who know about SNAP have no idea if they effort to reinvent hunger relief is recognizing
Hunger relief business. These innovative qualify, or even how to find out if they qualify. that there is a ‘new face’ in hunger relief.
programs address our hungry neighbors’ In fact, 36% of people eligible for the program There are now hungry seniors, children and
access to available meals, the ‘rescue’ of fresh leave their benefits on the table. That’s nearly families in every neighborhood and many of HUNGER CAN STRIKE ANYONE, ANYWHERE
food, and how to impact the daily lives and $210 million in food and financial assistance these people have never been in this position
potential of our hungry children. through SNAP that goes unclaimed. Minnetonka is a city where the median household income is more than Life has been a pendulum of promises and disappointments for the couple
before. First time visitors to local food shelves
$80,000. It’s hard to believe that in such an affluent community, Steve since they both lost their jobs. They continually file applications for work,
We’ve proven to be more than proficient at and shelters often have no notion that other
and his neighbors live in a working class island. At their best, the former dress and prepare themselves for interviews, and debate whether or not
distributing food. These proactive programs nutritional assistance is available. SNAP
shipping and receiving associate and his wife both worked two jobs—a taking $7 to $8 an hour jobs is wise considering Treva’s and Katie’s medical
are built to do more. Outreach is about finding these people and
combined income of $50,000—to support their two daughters. But that was needs from asthma complications. The 48-year-old Steve believes their age
making them aware of all their options.
five years ago. has been a hindrance in their search and hopes they can start new careers to
SNAP Outreach “Hunger today is not just an urban problem,” take care of themselves.
Ali says. “Hunger has arrived in the suburbs. The couple now relies on unemployment benefits to feed 15-year-old Katie
What is food support? Who is eligible? The and 10-year-old Olivia. “We tried to make sure the kids don’t really feel it,” Until such a time comes, they turn to their local food shelf, the ICA Center at
My job is to help people understand that
quickly growing SNAP Outreach program says Steve of the extent he and Treva have gone to protect their daughters St. David, for assistance. The agency of the Second Harvest Heartland food
food support is an aid that can help a family
is about answering these questions. Over from any sort of stigma associated with their lack of income. “It’s hard to bank provides them with the food the parents need to keep their family fed.
through tough times.”
the past 18 months, six dedicated Outreach have the kids not have a normal life and do just everyday things, knowing
Specialists have spread the word throughout To learn more about Steve and his family’s struggle with hunger, visit
that the $20 you hand them is the last $20 you may have for a few weeks.”
help.feedingamerica.org
4 Fall 2010 Fall 2010 5

4. BEYOND
Voices of Hunger
ABOVE &
THE FRONT LINES OF HUNGER RELIEF Cold storage, warm hearts
As the weather cools down, our efforts to help our new refrigerated three-door unit to be delivered
member food shelves expand their cold storage to her organization’s Midway location in St. Paul
capacity are heating up. greatly increases the food shelf’s capacity to accept
Outreach Specialists like Alison are essential nutritious, perishable food, it also overcomes
ALISON BRADY: Second Harvest Heartland is always looking for
another significant problem.
to helping our hungry neighbors learn about ways to help our agency partners meet the growing
SNAP Outreach Specialist
and apply for this valuable option. need in the community. As our ability to deliver “The glass doors on the refrigerator add more of
Alison Brady sees the growing need in our I like hearing about the a retail look,” she says. “Clients can shop as they
Alison travels throughout Minneapolis
community every day. and Anoka County, talking to people who lives of the people I help. AN EXTRA EFFORT FOR OUR would at a retail store. It adds dignity to the process.”
As a Second Harvest Heartland SNAP are in need or who may know someone in Adding dignity to hunger relief is more important
Outreach Specialist, Alison helps people need. Every day is different for Alison as Alison Brady
HUNGRY NEIGHBORS every day, as people who have never had to ask for
SNAP Outreach Specialist
from all walks of life not only understand she screens clients anywhere there might aid find themselves in need. More than 500 people
be people who require further assistance. fresh, perishable foods grows, it is important that visit Keystone’s Midway location every week, while
their options, but access these options.
often take place at coffee shops or libraries our partner agencies grow their capacity to handle
She sets up at churches during free lunches. the number of visits throughout Keystone’s network
“I’ve worked with many people who in an effort to make potential applicants— these deliveries.
She sits in the lobbies of food shelves and has increased 61% over the last two years.
have never had to think about public especially those who have never had to ask
screens people as they come in for their At many of the 1,000 local food shelves, shelters,
assistance,” she says. “These are people for aid before—feel at ease. Second Harvest Heartland earmarked $250,000 of
appointments. She also schedules special programs and soup kitchens in the Second Harvest
who don’t know anything about how [the general fundraising efforts for this vital project.
group events for seniors, visits local events “The private appointments are very Heartland network, cold storage for essential
program] works because it is the first time These funds cover 75% of the cost of the units, which
held by other organizations (such as Coats interesting because the client will often items like fruits, vegetables, milk and cheese is at
in their life that they’ve ever needed help. were purchased through Ideal Refrigeration in St.
for Kids) and even meets people one-on- be more willing to discuss their situation a premium. Which is why, throughout the months
I work with men, women, teens, elderly, Louis Park. The receiving agency covers the rest.
one, all in an effort to tell people that help outside of a lobby or waiting area at a food of November and December, we will deliver 67
English and non-English speakers. Some “Help like this makes it so much easier to service
is available. shelf,” Alison says. “I think they feel more Beverage-Air commercial grade coolers and freezers
have college degrees and others have our clients,” Christine says. “The more perishable
comfortable because they are closer to their to 64 of our agency partners.
only completed the equivalent of a middle But the job of a SNAP Outreach Specialist
home and the setting is more natural.” food we can receive, the more people we can help.”
school education level.” is so much more than informing our hungry Christine Pulver, Director of Basic Needs at
neighbors about their options. Alison also SNAP Outreach is a rewarding, challenging, Keystone Community Services, says that while the
As Second Harvest Heartland’s mission to
helps potentials applicants examine their sometimes heartbreaking vocation, and
reinvent hunger relief focuses more and
finances to discover whether they qualify. Alison Brady wouldn’t have it any other way.
more on creating access to available food
She’ll sit with a client and help fill out the “As painful as it can be at times, I appreciate
resources, the work of SNAP Outreach
daunting SNAP application forms. And after
Specialists like Alison becomes increasingly
important. The Supplemental Nutrition
the application is filed, she’ll follow up to see
when clients tell me about their lives,” she
says. “It is a daily reminder that tragedy
SIGN THE PLEDGE FOR A HUNGER-FREE MINNESOTA
how the applicant is doing. and hardship can happen at any moment.
Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known If you believe that food is a basic and essential
nationally as Food Stamps and in Minnesota Helping erase the negative stigma that I’m amazed at the people I work with whose human right, and that Minnesota produces enough
as Food Support) is a federal resource that comes with requesting aid is a big part lives have hit absolute rock bottom and yet food to nourish and sustain all who live here, please
is vastly underused in Minnesota, and of the job. Her one-on-one appointments they are unwilling to give up.” visit hungerfreemn.org and support Hunger-Free
Minnesota in its campaign to end hunger by clicking
Sign the Pledge.
HUNGER-FREE FROM PAGE 3 INSPIRATION FROM PAGE 3 Add your name to this pledge and unite with
Hunger, when not directly impacting the lives of our hungry friends, neighbors Many neighborhood families had that conversation with thousands of people across our state who believe
and children, directly impacts our wallets. The Cost/Benefit Study proves that their children while shopping together for food to donate.” in a Minnesota where everyone has enough to eat.
while ending hunger is morally right, it is also a financially sound goal. The Food & Fund phenomenon grows every year. Through Together, we can end hunger where we live.
Hunger-Free Minnesota has also partnered with Minnesota Public Radio to October of 2010, registered Food & Fund Drives had raised
present the personal stories of those affected by hunger. Through these stories, $385,656 and 128,786 pounds of food.
you’ll learn firsthand how hunger impacts their lives and how they’re finding Our Food & Fund Drive program makes it easy for anyone
hope through neighborhood food shelves and other organizations like Second to place a personal stamp on hunger relief. We provide the
Harvest Heartland. MPR will contribute news stories, blog posts and podcasts tools and you provide the creativity and personal touch.
in an effort to shine a personal light on the issue of hunger in Minnesota.
Hunger-Free Minnesota gives everyone the chance to understand hunger from
By getting involved at the ground level, you’re setting
an example that is sure to raise awareness and get other
DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!
both sides. To learn more about Hunger-Free Minnesota, download all four thinking about how to help our hungry neighbors. Many employers in Minnesota match the charitable donations of
hunger studies, hear stories of hunger or sign the Pledge for a Hunger-Free their employees. Second Harvest Heartland makes it simple to find out if
To start your own Food & Fund Drive, visit 2harvest.org/
Minnesota, visit hungerfreemn.org. your company will match your gift. Just visit 2harvest.org/matchmygift and
foodandfund.
input your company into the search option.
6 Fall 2010 Fall 2010 7

5. Nonprofit
Organization
US Postage Paid
Second Harvest
1140 GERVAIS AVE., ST. PAUL, MN 55109-2020 Heartland
Cause and Effects
You supported the cause. Here is the change you’ve effected.
Taste of the NFL 2010
The 20th annual Taste of the NFL
generated more than $115,000 in
support of the Vikings Children’s
Fund Summer Lunch Program. By
attending this wonderful evening,
you made our goal of providing more
than 1,000,000 grant-supported
meals to our community’s hungry
children more than possible.
Thank you so much for your support.
Taste of the NFL has been such a success that
at this year’s event, USDA staff presented the
Vikings and Second Harvest Heartland with
certificates of appreciation (upper right).
Meals provided by
1,000,000 Contact Info
Will help provide
1,000,000 meals in 2011
Second Harvest Heartland
750,000
Phone: 651.484.5117
Helped provide Toll Free: 888.339.3663
750,000 meals in 2010 Fax: 651.484.1064
2harvest.org
200,000
Helped provide nearly
200,000 meals in 2009 ®
8 Fall 2010