FEED HUNGRY PEOPLE But what does that look like on a day-to-day basis? How exactly do we use the generous donations that are given to us? In partnership with community members like you, Loaves & Fishes: Supports Kalamazoo County residents through 5 anti-hunger programs at 71 different sites – all donations are used locally to help friends, family, and neighbors in our community. Provides a four-day food supply to an average of 750 individuals each day through our Grocery Pantry Program. Nearly 154,000 food orders were given to local residents last year. Provides direct service and food at 23 pantry locations throughout Kalamazoo County. We also provide food to pantries at Loy Norrix, Kalamazoo Central, and the four KPS middle schools. Secures nutritionally-balanced food, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and baked goods. Food is purchased from the Food Bank of South Central Michigan and the wholesale market as well as received as donations from local farmers, stores, and community members. Purchases and distributes up to 900 Weekend Food Packs to 18 KPS elementary and middle schools to further support vulnerable children facing increased hunger when school is not in session. Provides additional food assistance to over 600 low-income senior citizens at 17 residential distribution sites. Distributes bulk food products monthly through Mobile Food Initiative (MFI) sites at 6 different locations to groups of 100 – 350 people each time. Works with other agencies in the community to identify gaps in service and avoid duplication of services. Utilizes 95% of community donations for direct services – only 5% goes to administrative costs. These are the facts and figures. But let’s not forget what’s most important about feeding hungry people. With proper nourishment, children and adults are more likely to succeed. Health complications may be avoided. Families on tight budgets can use their limited funds for other basic needs when they have access to food assistance. At Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, we feed hungry people. By doing so, we also foster potential, dignity, health, and family togetherness. And your support makes this possible. Thank you! Help us reach our goal! Over 40,000 people struggle with hunger each day in our community. We need your help in the fight to end hunger in Kalamazoo County. $ 1 3 = To donate, visit www.kzoolf.org DONATED MEALS
Transcript
FEED HUNGRY PEOPLEBut what does that look like on a day-to-day basis? How exactly do we use the generous donations that are given to us? In partnership with community members like you, Loaves & Fishes:
Supports Kalamazoo County residents through 5 anti-hunger programs at 71 different sites – all donations are used locally to help friends, family, and neighbors in our community.
Provides a four-day food supply to an average of 750 individuals each day through our Grocery Pantry Program. Nearly 154,000 food orders were given to local residents last year.
Provides direct service and food at 23 pantry locations throughout Kalamazoo County. We also provide food to pantries at Loy Norrix, Kalamazoo Central, and the four KPS middle schools.
Secures nutritionally-balanced food, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and baked goods. Food is purchased from the Food Bank of South Central Michigan and the wholesale market as well as received as donations from local farmers, stores, and community members.
Purchases and distributes up to 900 Weekend Food Packs to 18 KPS elementary and middle schools to further support vulnerable children facing increased hunger when school is not in session.
Provides additional food assistance to over 600 low-income senior citizens at 17 residential distribution sites.
Distributes bulk food products monthly through Mobile Food Initiative (MFI) sites at 6 different locations to groups of 100 – 350 people each time.
Works with other agencies in the community to identify gaps in service and avoid duplication of services.
Utilizes 95% of community donations for direct services – only 5% goes to administrative costs.
These are the facts and figures. But let’s not forget what’s most important about feeding hungry people. With proper nourishment, children and adults are more likely to succeed. Health complications may be avoided. Families on tight budgets can use their limited funds for other basic needs when they have access to food assistance. At Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, we feed hungry people. By doing so, we also foster potential, dignity, health, and family togetherness. And your support makes this possible. Thank you!
Help us reach our goal!Over 40,000 people struggle with hunger each day in our community.
We need your help in the fight to end hunger in Kalamazoo County.
$1 3=To donate, visit www.kzoolf.org
DONATED MEALS
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
Our MissionKalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry
people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.
Our ValuesRespect
Diversity & InclusionStewardship & Accountability
IntegrityCollaboration
UrgencyService
Joe Galaviz, Warehouse Assistant 211Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director 212Meg Gernaat, Marketing Coordinator 218Dave Hafer, Warehouse Coordinator 211Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director 210Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director 213Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator 214Marvin King, Food Procurement Specialist 224Jackie Smith, Pantry Coordinator 221Mary Foley-Wilson, Accounting Coordinator 222Laura Winther, Donor Database Coordinator 206
Staff / Business Office269.488.2617 EXT.Joan Atwell, Call Center Coordinator 201Cherise Buchanan, Volunteer Coordinator 209Mary-Elizabeth Bell, Finance/Office Coordinator 222Paul Bushek, Warehouse Assistant 211Art Cole, Services Director 207Joe Cook, Warehouse Assistant 211Bob Dekker, Warehouse Assistant 211Greta Faworski, Resource Development Director 208Linda Fox, Call Center Coordinator 201
Connect with Us
www.facebook.com/ KalamazooLoavesAndFishes
wwwtwitter.com/ KzoLoavesFishes
901 PORTAGE STREETKALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005
FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663P 269/488-2617 · F 269/343-3669
WWW.KZOOLF.ORG
NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE
PAIDKALAMAZOO MIPERMIT NO. 1693
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
At 91-years old, Cora has experienced a lot in her lifetime, but she never imagined hunger would be one of those experiences. She fondly recalls working at the soda fountain at Gilmore’s Tea Room in Kalamazoo, eventually working her way up to Supervising Cook. When she was in her thirties, she and her young son were in a car wreck that left her with five fused vertebrae in her neck and unable to do the work she loved. “I wasn’t able to lift the heavy pots and bulk food,” Cora
explained, “and I couldn’t find a job, but I wasn’t going to give up.” Cora realized she had a knack for real estate and eventually found herself managing 19 rental properties in Kalamazoo. When the market crash of 2008 wreaked havoc on her property management business, and a serious illness left her temporarily unable to work, Cora found herself at the Department of Social Services for help. “Things really snowballed. I fell behind and couldn’t catch up,” she recalls. She was able to breathe a little easier after being given a referral for KLF, where she receives food once per
week. “It allows me access to food that I can’t afford on my own – fresh meat, tuna, and fresh produce.” Grateful for the help, she stretches the food she receives as far as it can go. “I love to cook so when I’m done eating a chicken, I use the bones to make broth for soup,” she shared. Cora is quick to remind people that life circumstances can change in an instant, and she takes personal pride in being a good steward of the kindness bestowed upon her. She states with gratitude, “If I didn’t have Loaves & Fishes, I don’t know what I would do.”
Cora’s story
Run Through the Lights Registration is Now Open!
www.gazellesports.com
Grab your friends and family for this festive run through
the dazzling holiday lights in downtown Kalamazoo! Proceeds
from this holiday tradition, hosted by Gazelle Sports and
Kalamazoo Area Runners, benefit Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.
Name changed for anonymity
Get energy efficiency tips and gear from Consumers Energy and support Loaves & Fishes through
the Smart Energy Challenge®! With your help, we could win
$1000 per month from Consumers now until March! Find out more at ConsumersEnergy.com/challenge.
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016
The holiday season is upon us and, for many, it’s a time to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. However, for thousands of individuals in our community, the tone of celebration is dampened by the daily stress of near-bare cupboards and the need to plan wisely to bridge the gap between this week and the next. Although struggling, many of these people, oftentimes our clients, are still thankful. They’re thankful for their families, for the blessings they’ve received over the last 12 months, but especially for the generosity of a community that gives back. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is flooded with generosity this time of year from food drives, donations, volunteers, and words of thanks and encouragement. The generous donations we receive help us squeak by during the first few months of the new year when the number of donations KLF receives drops off, yet the need remains constant. We’re thankful that your generous spirit does not cease when the holiday decorations are packed away because you understand that hunger is an ongoing struggle. As you’re making your New Year’s resolutions, consider making the commitment to maintaining the giving-spirit by volunteering, advocating, or donating a monthly gift to fight hunger in Kalamazoo County. It’s with your help that we’re able to ensure those struggling with hunger will have a happier holiday and new year, but it’s with
you, your friends, family, and neighbors that we can truly alleviate hunger for future generations. Happy holidays from the KLF family to yours.
NOTE FROM JEN COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: DISCOUNT DRAIN CLEANING
When you have plumbing and drain cleaning needs, it’s important to have someone reliable on your side. But Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has been able to rely on Discount Drain Cleaning for something else - to help us feed the community.In April 2015, Discount Drain Cleaning began donating a percentage of their monthly sales to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, and they have given more than $3,300 since that time. This locally-owned company has been in business in our area for over 20 years and always planned to give back to the community. According to the company’s owner, Sunny Weaver, “Giving to Loaves & Fishes is important to us for the simple reason being that people are important. We acknowledge that what is given to us is not just for us, but it is given to us to share. Loaves & Fishes is an outlet in which we have chosen as a channel to share a portion with those who have need. Those who have need for the services Loaves & Fishes provides are important no matter the circumstances behind the reason for their need. We are extremely thankful that we are able to give what is needed to help others feel important. If people weren’t important, we would not concern ourselves with feeding them.” The work of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes would not be possible without support from local businesses. Thank you Discount Drain Cleaning for helping us put food on the shelves all year long and for taking care of those in need in our community!
A percentage of Discount Drain Cleaning sales are donated to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes to help fight hunger locally!
Executive Director
KLF DECEMBER GIVING COUPONAMOUNT $ ________________
Partake in the spirit of giving this time of year. Your contribution provides our neighbors-in-need with wholesome meals during the holiday season.
Please send in your contribution by December 18th.
DECEMBER2015
COUPON #147
KLF JANUARY GIVING COUPONAMOUNT $ ________________
Make your New Year’s resolution one that helps build a brighter future for our community by helping KLF feed hungry people in Kalamazoo County.
Please send in your contribution by January 15th.
FOOD WISH LIST
December: Canned Meat
January:Beef Stew
Did you know that with just $1, KLF can feed a person three meals for a day? Please consider making a fund donation as well.
JANUARY2016
COUPON #148
We have some fresh faces in our office and are pleased to welcome new staff members to our team! Mary-Elizabeth Bell, KLF’s new Finance/Office Coordinator, has worked for local businesses like Western Michigan University, Upjohn, and Bronson Athletic Club. When she’s not at KLF, she’s typically enjoying the outdoors and spending time with her family. Linda Fox has been pitching in since January and was recenty hired on as Call Center Coordinator. She’s often the friendly voice our clients hear at the end of the phone line. Meg Gernaat is now the KLF Marketing & Communications Coordinator. She’s been in the non-profit sector since graduating from Western Michigan University in 2009 and previously worked for Ministry with Community and Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated. Mary Foley-Wilson has been with KLF since August. She juggles working as the organization’s Accounting Coordinator as well as a local realtor and mom to four. Welcome to the KLF family!
WELCOME NEW KLF STAFF MEMBERS!
TRIBUTES 9/5/15 - 10/20/15 Special thanks to those who honor friends and family through contributions to KLF!
In Honor Of Henrick & Alivia Allman
Alexis HowardScott Matzka
Mehendra I. Amin Chetan & Sheela Vyas
Christine Bartley Lynwood Bartley
Rodney Budka Susanne ButtersDarlene FlachierCurt KlingermanPeggy LinkScott & Christy PierangeliMary SchardtWilliam & Mary ThompsonRhondda Williams
Mary Catherine Fodrocy Joyce K. Thran
Judith Halseth Nancy & Ron CrowellBeverly & John FolzBarbara & Robert HaviraRaymond & Mary Lou HoogenboomGail & Glen JohnsonFreya E. LakeRev. Linda & Dr. Frederick MacDonaldPatricia PipeRita Stevens
Jaime Huneke Wester Dental Care, P.C.
Jennifer Johnson Jon Riccio
Sandy VandenBerg Carol VandenBerg
Dan Kamerman Marvin King & Pat Houston
Our Children Robert & Loree Bagley
In Memory OfBeryl Adams
Becky BigelowRobert P. Amrheim
Jerome & Kathleen AmrheinJohn H. Bauchkham
Kenneth & Gayle SparksMr. & Mrs. Lewis Valentine
Patrecia Breen Kay Baetsen
Len Bridge Geraldine K. Bridge
Marilyn Burlington Rex & Carol Grant
Patricia Coleman Liz Roelofs
Dorothy Cudihy Leslie & Jim Babel
Mary Curtis Irene Evans
Alice Davis Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Joseph Dillon Colleen M. Berger
James & Lucille Dillon Colleen M. Berger
Jean Elkins Dee & Tom ChapellDr. Thomas and Susan KavanaughElizabeth Miller
Helen Gleason Ann Klobucar
Electa Glowe Zion Wednesday Night CooksJan M. Prange
Milton Greenberg Ellen L. Plano
Pat Hawley Irene Evans
Grace Hoekstra Gertrude Hoekstra
R. Kennedy Douglas & Antonia Kennedy
Marguerite Kolb Grant Kolb
Barbara LeMense PEO- Chapter DWJoy Watts
Frances E. Lohr Michael J. Clark
Linda M. Lutz Robert & Norberta Renauld
Louella R. Major Pam Siwik
J. Martinez Douglas & Antonia Kennedy
Margaret MillerRoger & Carol MattensJames MenchingerWilma Tays
Kathy Mizeur Vincent MizeurGale & Kathleen Newell
Matthew C. Morgan Michael & Shirley Summers
Oorbeck Family Jean A. Oorbeck
Frank Ossiff Jr. Diane & Gerald Ossiff
Adam Pulling Scott & Joyce Grimmer
Tom Pyke Susan Pyke
D. Rama Bhipin & Ashmeeta Madhav
Oswald Renauld Robert & Norberta Renauld
Jessica Renauld Robert & Norberta Renauld
Antonia H. Rostami Mr. Jeffrey Rostami
Darrell M. Rostami Mr. Jeffrey Rostami
Marilyn Scheel John F. Scheel
Martin Schmitt Robert & Norberta Renauld
Cecelia Shepard Ellen & Dennis Faurot
Foster L. Sherwood Jr. Marjorie Sherwood
Helen Simon Tom Simon
Joani Siwik Edward & Pamela SiwikChristine J. Siwik
Tom Sonday Charlotte Hubbard
Madeline St. Pierre Rita & Norman Bober
Jan Staudacher Barbara Albanese
Pearl M. Stone Robert & Norberta Renauld
Alvan Traxler Marianna Zeman
James Tungate David & Julie GregoryF. Marie Tungate
