Summer 2013 - Atlanta Community Food Bank

The Quarterly Newsletter ofSummer 2013On Behalfof OurChildrenIN THIS ISSUE:When We Think of OthersWorking Together for a Healthier FutureDistributing More Nutritious FoodTips to Make Your Garden Grow

Letter from the DirectorSummer 2012CONTENTSWHEN WE THINK OF OTHERSBill Bolling, ACFB Executive DirectorLetter from the Director 2Feeding People Together 4Volunteers Make a Difference 5On Behalf of Our Children 6For the Sports Enthusiast 8Celebrating Success 9Thank You, Donors 10Well Done! 12Calendar of Events 14Distributing MoreNutritious Food 15Garden Tips 162EDITORSAngie ClawsonAmy HudsonCONTRIBUTORSBill Bolling, Angela Boroden,Ben Burgess, Angie Clawson,Fred Conrad, Michael DeCoursey,Sarah Fonder-Kristy, Daphne Hill,Steve Hargrove, Amy Hudson,Valderia Mathis, Janice Reece,Carol Richburg, Suzanne Roush,Greg Sims, Naretha Timberlake,Vilma Wallace, Rashida Wright,and Allison YoungCOVER PHOTOAngela BorodenINSIDE PHOTOSAngela Boroden, Rihannon Bradley,Angie Clawson, Ken Jones,Marcus Kraus and Allison YoungBike photo on page 7 courtesy ofEast Atlanta Kids Club, andphoto on page 13 courtesy ofShare Our StrengthDESIGNFain & Tripp, Inc.I recently had the opportunity to listento a congressperson speak about thecondition of the economy, the obviousgridlock in Congress, and the need forpolitical parties of both persuasions tofind common ground. There were a lotof nodding heads in the audience. Hespoke of four challenges that affect oureconomy: Social Security, Medicare,Medicaid and Welfare.He said we must honor our commitmentto Social Security because it hasbeen paid for by workers, and thatMedicare was a commitment we madeto our elders and must be supported.But he argued that Medicaid (healthcare for the poor) – and health care ingeneral – should be examined becausehealth care costs are rising dramaticallyand cannot be sustained. There waseven more nodding of heads.When he talked about America’s poor,he said they should never go withoutfood or shelter, but made the point thatgenerous government benefits havediscouraged some from pursuing work- benefits which keep the safety netpropped up must not be so good thatthe poor decide not to pursue educationand/or a job. As he spoke, I couldimagine images that were likely comingto mind for many in the audience – imagesthat bring to mind “producers” vs.“takers” – those who value hard workand those who are too lazy to take careof themselves. It was an “us vs. them”statement – the type of statement thatdivides us instead of bringing us togetheraround aspirations and commonvisions. And in this division, we findourselves fearful that someone, somewhere,is going to get something theyhaven’t worked hard for.It can be argued that these types ofspeeches prepare us for budget cutsthat must be inevitably made. No companyor country can borrow 40 cents onthe dollar (the amount of money we payon interest and borrowing to balancethe federal government) and continue tobe viable.I hope that before we make decisionsthat support policy change – especiallyregarding our country’s safety nets forthe poor – that the facts will be closelyexamined. Who are “they”? Who arethose people who supposedly find benefitsa better deal than working?• 85% of SNAP (food stamp) householdshave gross income at or below100% of the poverty guideline($23,350 for a family of four). Onecan’t get too comfortable there.• 76% of SNAP households include achild, a senior or a disabled person.• For a family of 2, often a singlemother and child, the averagemonthly SNAP benefit is $282 amonth - less than $1.50 per person/per meal.• With Georgia’s population at over9.9 million, the number of familiescurrently receiving welfare assistancein Georgia is less than 4,000,and they receive only an additional$235 a month. It’s important toknow they can receive welfare foronly a total of four years in theirlifetime.• 41% of all SNAP participants livedin a household with earnings -these are working people trying tomake ends meet.• SNAP has time limits for unemployedworkers. Able-bodiedadults without dependents mayonly receive three months of SNAPbenefits during any three yearperiod, unless they are workinga minimum of 20 hours per weekor participating in a job trainingprogram.

• Half of all new SNAP participantswill leave the program within ninemonths. SNAP helps families becomefinancially stable and makethe transition to self-sufficiency,getting them through the toughtimes.These are the people that supposedlyare too comfortable with governmentbenefits to work.The myth of a food stamp/welfare“culture of dependency” is a convenientidea because it makes poverty theresult of bad character traits, and if it’ssomeone else’s fault that they are poor,we are released from feeling responsibleand thus released from doing anythingabout it – it’s their problem, after all.Would it not be a more productiveexercise to look within, at our own poverty?No matter where we are in life orhow wealthy and powerful we are, wecan feel like we never have enough. Inthis “state of poverty” we often feel likeothers are getting too much while ourhard work is not paying off. But aren’twe all poor in our ability to create solutionswhen more than a quarter of thechildren in our state aren’t sure wheretheir next meal is coming from?Our image of others often depends onwhat seat we occupy at the time.A business person might say “Ifyou’re not producing, you’re a cost tome and society.”A religious person might say “Everyonehas value in God’s eyes; if it bringsmore dignity to the soul, it’s the rightthing to do.”A politician might say “If it supportsthe position of my party and voter base,then I’ll support it.”A media person might say “Let’s findwhere the harm has been done andfeature it. Who’s to blame for the situation?”A parent might say “If it ensures mychildren have a healthy and happy life,I’m willing to sacrifice for it.”A cynic would say “I don’t believeanything will help; I need to get minebefore ‘they’ get mine.”Of course, most of us feel conflicted atone time or another because we don’twear just one hat. We can be a businessperson, parent, school board member,and person of faith all at the sametime. And that can be a good thing. Itoften helps us not rush to judgment andconsider the facts.It’s not easy to walk in another person’sshoes, to empathize with another’splight in life if you’ve never had asimilar experience. We’re often againstsomething until it becomes part of ourown experience. There have been plentyof examples of that lately.Just ask people living in the suburbswho have been hit by the economy. InAtlanta’s metro suburbs, the numberof poor individuals more than doubledfrom the years 2000 to 2010, growing by122%. Those who have been - or are goingthrough - this life-changing experiencealmost always come to a broaderand more compassionate point of view.At the Food Bank, we see and workwith people from all walks of life. Wesee those who have succeeded beyondtheir imaginations and those who haveworked hard, but never gotten ahead.We’re also blessed to see those who -through hard work, courage and sheerwillpower – have moved ahead for thefirst time in their lives.But we never see people who do thiswork alone. It’s always done in thecontext of community. And it’s in thecontext of a community stepping up tohelp others that we often find our ownrichness.BOARD OF DIRECTORS2012/2013 OFFICERSChairDavid LeedsVice ChairArlene GlaserSecretarySteven J. de GrootTreasurerDavid EidsonAdvisory Board ChairChris Weiser2012/2013 BOARD MEMBERSMartha BrooksJoe ChowEd FisherRobby KuklerMatt McKennaMary MooreJackie ParkerAndrew StithWayne VasonLesley T. WainwrightJerry WilkinsonGENERAL COUNSELDavid Long-DanielsEXECUTIVE DIRECTORBill BollingOUR MISSIONOur mission is to fight hungerby engaging, educating andempowering our community.WHO WE SERVEThe Atlanta Community FoodBank supports more than 600 localnonprofit organizations with hungerreliefprograms in 29 metro Atlantaand north Georgia counties.acfb.org3

Feeding People TogetherKIDS THRIVE HEREEast Atlanta Kids ClubCan you imagine a place wherechildren can play and learn fourdays a week, outside of school, forfree? The East Atlanta Kids Club(EAKC) is exactly that. Duringthe summer of 1998, East Atlantaresident Jill Sieder was gettingto know some of the children inthe neighborhood. It wasn’t longbefore they were communicatingto her that they were bored!Knowing there was an underusedrecreation facility nearby,Sieder asked the City of Atlantaif she and some neighbors coulduse the space to host activitiesfor the kids. Jill took on the roleas EAKC’s Executive Director andthe rest is history.During the school year, studentsages 7 to 17 make their way toEAKC after school lets out. Uponarrival, they help put togethera snack or meal with the guidanceof Program Director AdeenaHoward. After snacks are finished,they complete homework,receive free tutoring as needed,East Atlanta Kids Club members Frederickand Fredreika Rogers work on homeworkduring study time at East Atlanta Kids Club.and participate in academic andart enrichment programs, as wellas fitness activities. On Saturdays,the club offers opportunitiesfor kids to participate in uniqueexperiences like hiking and bikingtrips, museum visits and tendingto their own community garden.The EAKC also hosts a full-dayscience and technology themedsummer camp. Participants areserved a nutritious breakfast,lunch and snack while at camp,which helps fuel them to focus onthe academic challenges they’reengaged in, as well as be ready toexercise, play and just have fun!Many of the kids who attendEAKC are from food insecurehouseholds, so in addition to providingmeals at the club, EAKCalso sends bags of food home withthe children on a biweekly basisduring the spring, summer andfall. The bags contain cannedfoods, some of which come fromACFB, and fresh vegetables fromthe EAKC community garden.DOES YOURNONPROFITFEED THEHUNGRY?ACFB distributes three tofour million pounds of foodeach month to a networkof 600 nonprofit partneragencies that provide foodand meals for families andindividuals in need. If youwould like to learn how yourorganization can become apartner agency and receivefood from ACFB, visitacfb.org and click“Agencies” at the top ofthe page.“Children cannot learn and thrivewhen they are hungry,” said Sieder.“They are distracted and have realchallenges concentrating. Whenthey are in our space, they willalways be fed, and know that therewill always be enough. That is acomfort to them and to me as well.”With all of the daily challengesSieder faces, what keeps her goingis seeing the children in the programprogress academically andsocially, including graduating fromhigh school and college. “Thoseare the big victories. On a week-in,week-out basis, it is witnessing theindividual breakthroughs that happenall the time – a boy who cameto us failing in math, who comesrunning in the door with a progressreport showing improvement,” saidSieder. “As difficult and stressful asthis work can sometimes be, thoseare the kinds of moments that keepyou at it.”To learn more about the East AtlantaKids Club, visit www.eastatlantakids.org.4

Volunteers Make a DifferenceFeatured Volunteer Opportunity:HUNGER IN AMERICA 2014Help is needed for a unique volunteerexperience that only comes onceevery four years – Feeding America’s“Hunger in America 2014” study. Wewill interview clients at 110 ACFBpartner agencies – nonprofit organizationsthat provide groceries andmeals for people in need.There are two key roles that Hungerin America volunteers will fulfill:• Counter – you will be trained tofollow specific guidelines from thesampling company in determiningwhich clients will be asked toparticipate.• Tablet Assistant – you will be helpingclients with any technical assistancethey might need in filling outthe survey electronically on tabletsprovided by Feeding America.Here’s what we are looking for inour Hunger in America volunteers:• People who enjoy being part of ateam and want to learn more abouthow things work inside a food pantryor meal program• People who want to make a difference- You’ll be helping to gleancritical information that will informpolicy makers and citizens aboutthe realities that many families andindividuals face.• People who are fluent in other languages,especially SpanishVolunteers are needed now throughthe end of August. For moreinformation, contact Vilma Wallaceat vilma.wallace@acfb.org.COMMUNITY GARDENSA Wonderful ExperienceHere at the Food Bank, warmer temperatures spring us intoaction for the busy planting season. ACFB’s Community Gardensproject actively assists hundreds of metro area communitygardens and also manages one of its own to help supplementthe food supply of those in need. We couldn’t do this without ourvolunteers who take the time to help prepare the gardens, plantthe seeds, and tend the gardens once they start producing.Volunteering with the Community Gardens project requiresthe commitment of groups rather than individuals. With thatin mind, we would like to take a moment to thank some of ourrecent garden volunteer groups for their willingness to spendtime helping to get fresh and healthy produce on the plates ofthose who might not have it otherwise.One such group is from Victory Church Atlanta. In Februarythey were looking for ways to fulfill their month-long outreachevent and found the garden opportunity on our website. Accordingto outreach volunteer coordinator Turquoise Griffith, this wasa very exciting and new experience for the church since mostmembers had never gardened before. “We were surprised thatwe could have so much fun meeting new people and gardening,”said Griffith. “We had such a wonderful experience workingwith the Food Bank and loved that they shared history about thegarden and ACFB.”Another group that has volunteered to help in the gardens isfrom Chick-fil-A. Leslie Good, one of the volunteers, isn’t new tovolunteering at the Food Bank, but she had never worked withthe Community Gardens Project before. “I love the idea of theCommunity Garden as part of ACFB’s complete philosophy inregards to hunger,” said Good. “Teaching the community aboutsustainable, healthy ways to put food on the table is a huge endeavorand this program is thorough and well-organized. I wishmore people knew about it, and I’ve been telling my friends andfamily!” Heather Gunn was one of the coordinators for a group ofChick-fil-A volunteers. “Volunteering in the garden was great,”said Gunn. “Not only did we get to serve, we also had theopportunity to learn more about gardening and the program.”Asked if she learned anything new Gunn said, “There are a lot ofopportunities to serve which really means anyone can do it.”We hope these volunteershave inspired you to not onlyvolunteer but perhaps get outin your own yard to garden orjoin a community garden inyour area.For more information on thisand other volunteer opportunities,visit acfb.org.5

On Behalfof OurChildrenWorking together for a healthier futureChildren… they’re often describedas playful, curious and fullof energy. Even in tough situations,children can be amazingly resilient.But when basic needs consistentlygo unmet, children’s resiliencyeventually wears down. Food iscertainly among those most basicneeds. If kids don’t have access toenough healthy food on a regularbasis, the effects can be serious.For the youngest of our children,this is an especially critical issuebecause the damage can be permanent.• Hungry children ages 0-3 yearscannot learn as much, as fast, oras well because chronic undernutritionharms their cognitivedevelopment during this criticalperiod of rapid brain growth,actually changing the fundamentalneurological architectureof the brain and central nervoussystem.• Hungry children suffer growthimpairment that precludestheir reaching their full physicalpotential.• Hungry children do more poorlyin school and have lower academicachievement becausethey are not well prepared forschool and cannot concentrate.Here in Georgia, 28.3% of ourchildren are consistently experiencingsome level of hunger –that’s more than one in every fourchildren living in a food insecurehousehold. The kids in these photosare among the lucky. Most ofthem attend the East Atlanta KidsClub (see feature story on page4). They’ve got a place to go afterschool and during the summer thatnot only provides healthy meals,but also helps them to thrivethrough a variety of educationaland recreational activities. Thegood news is that there are manysimilar programs throughout theFood Bank’s network of nonprofitpartner agencies in Georgia, andthousands more across the country.Food banks and charitable organizationsplay a vital role in providinghunger relief. But here’s thehard truth – the nonprofit sectorcannot bear the burden alone.As ACFB’s distribution of foodand grocery products has increasedby 85% over the past fouryears, the need has grown at aneven greater rate. Many of ourpartner agencies consistentlyreport they cannot provide enoughfood for everyone who needs it.The other 200 Feeding Americafood banks, and the agencies theyserve, are in the same boat - toomany hungry people and notenough resources to feed them all.There are millions of kids in ourcountry who regularly go withoutenough to eat (21.6% of U.S. children).In March, A Place at the Table,a new documentary about theissue of hunger in America, wasreleased with the goal to wake upour nation to the seriousness of theproblem. The film uses a compellingcombination of facts and reallife stories to deliver its message.The people featured include a childdealing with chronic hunger, asingle mom who doesn’t qualifyfor food stamps because her salary6

arely exceeds the limits and apolice officer who regularly visits afood pantry because he hasn’t receiveda raise in the last four years.The film also brings awareness toour country’s mounting health issuesthat are, in large part, due tothe fact that the cheapest foods areprocessed foods. People who don’tmake a living wage cannot affordthe healthier options. The runningtheme throughout the movie is thatpublic policy is a crucial component– the issues of hunger, food insecurityand poor nutrition can onlybe solved if the American peoplespeak up, and it’s important thatwe do because our entire nationwill be weakened if we don’t.Here at ACFB, we agree. Our“Advocacy Champions” initiativeopens the door to anyone whowould like to learn how to raisetheir voice on behalf of the hungry.We offer training sessions todemystify the process and providehelpful information and tools thatadvocates can use in preparationfor speaking with their legislators.Many of our voices will be neededto protect and advance nutritionprograms like SNAP (Food Stamps)that have been a critical safety netfor families and individuals in need.These programs are in danger offunding cuts. Our collective voicescan make a big difference for thehungry, especially the youngestand most vulnerable.Our children have their wholefuture ahead of them. And they’realso the future of our nation.What’s that future going to looklike if we don’t do what it takesto ensure every child has enoughhealthy food to thrive and grow?WANT TO GO DEEPER?If you would like to become an Advocacy Champion for ACFB,visit http://www.acfb.org/advocacy-champions.We encourage you to see the documentary, A Place at the Table.To learn more and view the trailer, visit http://www.magpictures.com/aplaceatthetable/.Information in this article was compiled from two FeedingAmerica reports – Child Food Insecurity: The EconomicImpact on our Nation and Feeding America, Map the MealGap: Child Food Insecurity 2012. To see the reports, visit http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies.aspx.7

FULL COURSE CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENTThis year’s “Full Course Classic,”held on April 16, celebrated 25 yearsas one of the longest running charitygolf tournaments in town. Thefirst tournament, “Atlanta’s TableGolf Classic,” was held at East LakeCountry Club and raised more than$37,000. Through the years, thetournament has raised hundredsof thousands of dollars for hungerrelief and has been held at a varietyof wonderful courses in the metroarea, including Ansley’s SettindownCreek in Alpharetta, where it washeld again this year.Former Atlanta Braves PitcherJohn Smoltz, who has become agenerous longtime supporter of theFood Bank, was first introducedto us when he participated in theClassic. This year, Smoltz was kindenough to offer, as an auction item,the opportunity to play golf withhim at the East Lake Golf Course,site of the annual PGA FedEx Cup.What started as an idea by anadvisory board member has becomean annual tradition and oneof the Food Bank’s core fundraisingevents. Last year the “Full CourseClassic” raised nearly $118,000,helping ACFB put nearly $1 millionworth of food and grocery productsback into the community! With somany fundraising tournaments inmetro Atlanta, we are thankful toour generous sponsors and golferswho keep coming back to supportthe “Full Course Classic”.THANKS TO OUR2013 SPONSORS!Gold SponsorTitle SponsorSilver SponsorsBig HittersDesign SponsorALL-STAR EFFORT TO HELP“STRIKE OUT HUNGER”8“Strike Out Hunger” is back! The Atlanta CommunityFood Bank, Atlanta Braves and Kroger are partneringin the fight against hunger this baseball season. Allseason long, with a donation of $20 or 20 cans, fanscan get an autograph from a current Braves pitcherat Turner Field’s Monument Grove before every Fridayhome game. Or, fans can receive an autograph atvarious Kroger locations from Braves alumni with theirdonation. (One autograph will be signed per $20/20 candonation.) “Strike Out Hunger” was once an initiativeof former Braves Pitcher John Smoltz. This time around,more players are getting involved, along with newsponsor, Kroger, another longtime supporter of the FoodBank. With this winning partnership, “Strike Out Hunger”has found a way off the bench and will continuethe great legacy that began with one caring player. Allproceeds from the program will benefit the Food Bank.For more information on dates, times and participatingKroger locations, please visit braves.com/hunger.

HUNGER WALK/RUN 2013 = SUCCESS!A BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in the 29thannual Hunger Walk/Run! An estimated 15,000 peoplecame out to Turner Field on a beautiful, breezy Sundayafternoon to help ensure everyone in our communityhas enough food for a healthy, active life. If you walked,ran, volunteered, sponsored or donated, YOU helpedput food on the tables of people in need. Together, weraised over $550,000 for local hunger relief! This annualevent is a collaborative effort of the Atlanta CommunityFood Bank and five benefiting partners: EpiscopalCharities Foundation, Jewish Federation of GreaterAtlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Presbytery ofGreater Atlanta and Society of St. Vincent de Paul.THANKS TO OUR HWR 2013 SPONSORS!Title Sponsor Presenting Sponsors Premier SponsorsSupporting SponsorsMedia Sponsors9

Thank You, DonorsAN EGGS-TRAORDINARY DONATION!For the past six years, the United Egg Producershave joined the fight against hunger by launchinga nationwide campaign to donate eggs for familiesthat are struggling with food insecurity. Todate, they have donated an estimated 69 millioneggs to food banks and other hunger relief agenciesacross the country.Here at ACFB, we have been fortunate to be thebeneficiary of their efforts each year through localfarms such as Country Charm Egg Distributorsand Rose Acre Farms. “We’re thrilled to donatemuch-needed protein to the Food Bank just in timefor the Easter holiday,” stated Bob Niewedde,Inventory Control Director of Rose Acre Farms.“Rose Acre is a fifth generation family business,and we take pride in giving back to our local community.”Once again, Rose Acre Farms were kindenough to make another wonderful egg donationto us during the Easter season. The Food Bankwas the beneficiary of over 34,000 eggs this yearat a time when so many families are struggling tofind sources of high quality proteins.“Donations of nutrient-rich foods like eggs areparticularly important as so many in our communitycontinue to face financial difficulties,” saidACFB Executive Director Bill Bolling. “We are sograteful to our area egg farmers and the UnitedEgg Producers for their ongoing support. Thousandsof hungry people in our community willhave quality food as a result.”“Year-round our generous farmers donate fresheggs to their local food assistance organizations,”stated Chad Gregory, President and CEO of UnitedEgg Producers. “We come together during theEaster season to give a little extra and make fresheggs available to food insecure families across thecountry.”To date, local egg farmers have donated over100,000 pounds of eggs directly to ACFB.We truly appreciate the United Egg Producersand Rose Acre Farms for their generous donation!10

Thank You, DonorsTHE HARVESTLEGACY SOCIETYBANK OF AMERICA “GIVE A MEAL” CAMPAIGNHelp ensure that future generationsgrow up healthy - not hungry- by making a planned gift to theAtlanta Community Food Bank.Your legacy gift helps us to secureand distribute food and groceries tothose in need and promote viablesolutions to food insecurity, nowand for years to come.Members of the Harvest LegacySociety are looking to perpetuatea legacy for ACFB to continue thefight against hunger. Membersperiodically receive tax and financialplanning updates in addition tobeing invited to an annual specialevent. Members are listed in ACFB’sAnnual Report if they so choose.This year’s Bank of America’sGive a Meal campaign raisedalmost $42,000 locally for the AtlantaCommunity Food Bank. Thisannual partnership with Bank ofAmerica and Feeding Americahelps provide meals to families inneed during the holiday season.The initiative, which ran fromNovember to January, wasbolstered by the bank’s commitmentto a 2 for 1 match, meaningthat for every $1 given duringthe campaign, Bank of Americadonated $2. That helped to leveragedonor dollars and bring moremeals into the community.Customers and bank employeesalike generously donated tothe campaign and raised almostdouble the amount they raisedlast year for ACFB. This is thethird year that ACFB and FeedingAmerica have partnered withBank of America to help raisefunds for local food banks acrossthe country. Overall, the programraised more than $800,000 tohelp provide more than 26 millionmeals for families in need acrossthe country.Along with the match, thebank also contributed an additional$1 million to FeedingAmerica’s national office to helpfight hunger, and bank employeesparticipated in more than 300hunger-related volunteer effortsaround the country.Become a memberIf you have already made aplanned gift of any size to benefitACFB, we welcome the opportunityto include you as a member of theHarvest Legacy Society. Please notifythe Development office at (404)892-3333 x1217 so that we mayinclude you. A simple, confidentialreply form offers a convenient wayto record your planned gift for ourrecords. Our staff can also provideadditional information about waysto make a planned gift.Pictured (l-r): Bill Bollingaccepts a check from JeffBulvin, market leader at MetLife/New England Financial.METLIFEThe MetLife Foundation has continued their support of hunger relieffor the fourth year in a row. Their gift of $35,000 has helped us provide140,000 meals for people in need.11

Well Done!MONTHLY SUPPER CLUBMAKES GIVING BACK EASYGather with friends and family for an excellent mealwhile supporting the Food Bank. Each month, a differentrestaurant hosts Supper Club and donates 20% ofthe evening’s proceeds to benefit ACFB. What a greatway to try out the best restaurants in town while supportinghunger relief!Thanks to last quarter’s host restaurants: Lure in February, F&BAtlanta in March, and KR SteakBar in April, as well as our monthlysponsors CBS Atlanta, Ethic, Inc., Jezebel Magazine, and SportsRadio 92.9 The Game.Sign up to receive the Supper Club e-invitation so you don’t miss out!Visit acfb.org.OUR SINCERE APPRECIATIONTO THOSE WHO ORGANIZEDOR PARTICIPATED IN THESEEVENTS AND PROMOTIONSBENEFITING ACFB FEBRUARY 1– APRIL 30, 2013:Chinese New Year at Doc Chey’sBuffalo Exchange Grand Opening FundDriveGaMPI’s “The Gathering”Grape Crush Productions’ “Buckhead WineFestival”Panera Bread “Panera Cares” FundraiserShare Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation”Widespread Panic 2013 Tour fundraiserand auctionSHARPEN YOUR COOKING SKILLS AT ASIMPLE ABUNDANCE COOKING CLASS.Learn the finer points of gourmet cookingwith Atlanta’s best chefs and support theFood Bank at the same time! Simple AbundanceCooking Class participants enjoy demonstrations, tastings anda chance to win fabulous door prizes. Each exciting course is held atone of four Cook’s Warehouse locations, and is made possible by thegenerous support of many sponsors. 100% of class proceeds benefitACFB. We are extremely grateful to the talented chefs who donatetheir time and to The Cook’s Warehouse for donating the class space.LAST QUARTER’S SIMPLE ABUNDANCE CHEFS:Chef Jeb Aldrich of 4th & SwiftChef Tina Aleandri of Noche ViningsChef Archna Becker of BhojanicChef Quentin Donnaud of CoastChef Jeffrey Gardner of Alma CocinaChef Timothy Magee of Southern Art & Bourbon BarMONTHLY SIMPLE ABUNDANCE SPONSORS:Sponsors & Door Prize ProvidersAtlanta Homes & LifestylesBella Cucina Artful FoodsCabot CheeseThe Cook’s WarehouseGordo PrintingHey Roger, LLCNational DistributorsSherlock’s Wine MerchantUNITEDHEALTHCARE ANDATLANTA FALCONS JOINFORCES FOR THE FOOD BANKACFB was awarded a $50,000grant from UnitedHealthcare onbehalf of the Atlanta Falcons Fal-Can Food Drive. As part of their“Do Good. Live Well.” initiativedesigned to eliminate hunger andobesity, UnitedHealthcare partneredwith seven NFL teams in their fooddrive efforts and created a teamchallenge to see who could raisethe most pounds/provide the mostmeals. The Atlanta Falcons won byover 100,000 meals!Don’t miss our exciting line-up of upcoming classes! See our calendarof events on page 14 for the current class schedule, or visit acfb.orgfor full details.12

Well Done!The Atlanta Division of The Kroger Co. donated eighttractor-trailer truckloads of nonperishable food to ACFBon February 6 through the generosity of metro areacustomers and associates and the 2012 “Can Hunger”campaign. Thank you to Kroger and Kroger customers!Photographed (l-r) are ACFB Executive Director Bill Bollingand Kroger Director of Communications and PublicRelations Glynn Jenkins checking out one of the manycans of green beans that were delivered along with spaghetti,spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese dinners, cornflakes, canned tuna and fruit cocktail.Share Our Strength’s annual Taste of the Nation event celebrated its25th anniversary on April 11. Special guests at the black-tie optionalaffair included honorary chairs Governor Nathan Deal and First LadySandra Deal, along with John Mariani, food and travel columnist forEsquire magazine. The event was a big hit once again, raising morethan $700,000 for child hunger. Many thanks to all of the participatingchefs, restaurants and attendees! Proceeds will support local organizations,including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, as well as theShare Our Strength No Kid Hungry campaign.Pictured above are (l-r) George McKerrow (CEO Ted’s MontanaGrill, Co-Chairman Taste of the Nation Atlanta), Bill Bolling (ExecutiveDirector, Atlanta Community Food Bank), Pano Karatassos (Founderand CEO Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Co-Chairman Taste of theNation Atlanta), Karen Kierath (Director, Cooking Matters), NancyFriauf (Director, Genesis, A New Life), Billy Shore (Founder and CEO,Share Our Strength), Allison Palestrini (Southeast Director, Share OurStrength) and Christine Pullara (host of WXIA-TV’s Atlanta and Company,co-emcee of Taste of the Nation Atlanta).The Atlanta Community FoodBank would like to thank PublixGrocery Stores and its customersfor their continued support all yearlong. The generosity shown duringthe holiday season’s “Food for All”campaign and the recent “Food forSharing” campaign will go a longway to help those in need in ourcommunities.13

Calendar of EventsMaySu Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31JuneSu Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 27 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930JulySu Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 315/3 Atlanta Braves vs. Mets Strike OutHunger at Turner Field5/6 Simple Abundance Cooking Classwith Chef Landon Thompsonof The Iberian Pig at Cook’sWarehouse Decatur5/7 Supper Club at Gio’s ChickenAmalfitano5/7 Simple Abundance Cooking Classwith Chef Jimmy Meas of Aja/Here to Serve Restaurants atCook’s Warehouse Brookhaven5/11 Letter Carrier’s “Stamp OutHunger” Food Drive5/16 Doctor’s Against Hunger GolfTournament at Cobblestone GolfClub5/17 Atlanta Braves vs. Dodgers StrikeOut Hunger at Turner Field5/18 SpringFest at Twain’s Billiards &Tap in Decatur5/20 Simple Abundance CookingClass with Chef Linton Hopkinsof Restaurant Eugene at Cook’sWarehouse Brookhaven6/10 Simple Abundance Cooking Classwith Chef Joe Schafer of King+ Duke at Cook’s WarehouseBrookhaven6/14 Atlanta Braves vs. Giants StrikeOut Hunger at Turner Field6/28 Atlanta Braves vs. DiamondbacksStrike Out Hunger at Turner FieldTBDSupper Club7/12 Atlanta Braves vs. Reds Strike OutHunger at Turner Field7/13 Atlanta Street Food Festival atPiedmont Park7/13 Darlington 3rd Annual Music Fest7/26 Atlanta Braves vs. CardinalsStrike Out Hunger at Turner FieldTBDSupper ClubTWAIN’SANNUALSPRINGFESTEach May, Twain’sBilliards & Tap in Decaturhosts the SpringFest, “amusical extravaganzaof historic proportions”!Enjoy spring festivities,local music on both insideand outside stages, killerfood and brews, andmuch more! This year’sSpringFest is May 18.14VISIT ACFB.ORG FOR UPDATES AND FULL DETAILSON ALL EVENTS BENEFITING ACFB!

What We DoDISTRIBUTING MORE NUTRITIOUS FOODA Conversation with Kyle Waide, ACFB Vice President of Supply ChainQ. This has been a record year for distribution atthe Food Bank. What’s different about this year?A. Distribution has skyrocketed. It’s grown by 85%over the past four years, and the trend doesn’t showany signs of stopping. In our last fiscal year, we saw37 million pounds of food go out the door, but this yearwe’re anticipating over 43 million. We can certainlyattribute the increase to the need that’s out there, butalso to a greater variety in the food and grocery itemswe’re able to offer our partner agencies. Providing ahealthier mix is a key component of our strategic plan.Q. What are some of those items and how has theFood Bank been able to access and provide more nutritiousfood?A. Produce, meats and grains are the key categories.Produce distribution has already grown by 47% year todate - lots of fruits and vegetables – apples, bananas,cantaloupe, tomatoes, collard greens and potatoes, toname a few. Our distribution of meats and proteinshas risen by 33%, and healthy grains like rice, pastaand cereals increased by 164%. The most significantway we’ve been able to access more nutritious food isthrough our retail store program where we are receivingshort dated produce from grocery stores. Walmart, Publixand Kroger are the biggest participants in the retailprogram. The Department of Agriculture has suppliedus with commodity produce as well, and USDA providesus with tons of chicken and other meats. We’ve alsoraised money to purchase fresh produce directly fromfarmers. I need to add that we have a very dedicatedteam - everyone from the staff members who get on thephone or make personal visits to potential food donorsto our guys who move the food through the warehouse –it’s a tremendous effort.Q. What’s most important to ACFB – getting morefood out or providing more nutritious food?A. It’s both. We have to grow our distribution, butwe need that food to be healthier today than it wasyesterday. But as hard as we work, we can never solvethe problem of hunger just through the Food Bank andimproved logistics. We have to address policy andconsciousness, and get as many people engaged in thefight against hunger as we can. It’s a matter of will andpriorities.Q. What motivates you to work for hunger relief?A. It’s impossible these days for anyone not to betouched by the hunger problem facing our society.Whether it’s someone in our family, community or someonewe work with, the problem is unavoidable. I believeeveryone should have the right to healthy food. So, it’snot just inspiring; it’s a privilege to come to work everyday and have the opportunity to find ways to get morenutritious food to the people who most need it.ACFB’s Brian Warren pulls productfrom the warehouse to prepare anorder for agency pick up.15

732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., NWAtlanta, GA 30318-6628(404) 892-FEEDACFB.orgADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDNonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDAtlanta, GAPermit No. 3763TIPS TO MAKE YOURGARDEN GROWMay is prime planting season for all the fast growing delicious summerveggies. Warm air and lengthening days send a clear message toyour tomatoes and beans to GROW, GROW, GROW! If you’re lookingforward to counter tops covered with ripe red tomatoes, baskets ofsweet peppers, bowls of okra, stacks of cucumbers and having enoughto share with those in need, then it’s time to fill up those planters androws in your garden.We recommend planting these vegetable SEEDS directly in yourgarden in May:• Snap Beans, poleand bush types• Melons• Summer Squash /Zucchini• Cucumbers• Sunflowers andZinnias• OkraWe recommend planting these vegetable PLANTS in your gardenin May:• Tomato• Pepper• Eggplant• BasilVisit acfb.org to see a full list of best veggies to plant inMay and to find out more about Community Gardens orthe Plant A Row for the Hungry program.