FOCUS ON HEALTH: Taking action against hunger

By Tom Richardson

September 26th, 2010
Reprint Courtesy of The Davis Enterprise

September brings about another change in season, the days have begun to shorten, the harvests will begin to slow down, and schools have resumed. September is also Feeding America's “Hunger Action Month,” an effort to mobilize the public to end hunger in the United States.

This is the month where we should be increasing our awareness of those in need, learning about local efforts to fight hunger including the Food Bank of Yolo County, and seeking support from you to take action.

As we are all painfully aware, the economy has suffered immensely over the past couple of years. Locally the unemployment rate exceeds the national average, and where people do have work, hours and or pay have been reduced. We are getting by with less, and in many cases prioritizing our expenditures.

Many people, especially those on fixed incomes, must decide between food, medicine or shelter if they can't afford everything. This is not new, but it is much more prevalent today, with a much larger demographic. In fact, the latest report for households that required food assistance was 12.2 percent.

Imagine that; more than one in 10 households has either gone to a food pantry or eaten a meal at an emergency kitchen. These are not programs set up by the government; they were created because of people's actions rather than talk.

We are very fortunate in this country, as many organizations have been created to meet the needs of those less fortunate with grace and compassion. Many began as dreams of regular everyday people that “saw a need” and filled it. This is the case of the Food Bank of Yolo County, which began as a food pantry in Davis 40 years ago.

The mission of the food bank is “To alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Yolo County.” Over the years, the food bank has expanded its operations as the need of those we support has changed. The Food Bank supports nearly 70 different agencies within the county including food pantries, food closets, and other charitable organizations. The food bank acts as a central clearinghouse for donated food and passes on the savings to others: the Food Bank knows how to stretch a dollar.

In the past few years, the food bank has expanded its operations to include programs on site and across the county. The Movable Market is a way in which fresh produce is delivered to low-income families at specific sites throughout the county. in Rural Food Delivery, 25-pound boxes of food are delivered to low-income people in rural parts of the county.

Friday's Table delivers fresh produce to five sites that distribute it to individuals. There are many other programs, including cooking classes, nutrition education and gardening classes offered at the food bank.

When the economy turns around, and it will, we will continue to see a need to keep people fed. In the meantime, as we grow our awareness of hunger in our midst through Hunger Action Month across the nation, consider what action you can take to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Visit http://www.foodbankyc.org for more ideas on how you can take action.

— Tom Richardson is the president of the Board of Directors for the Food Bank of Yolo County

Make A Difference Day 2010

Saturday, October 23, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of Make A Difference Day, the nation's largest day of community service. On that special day, millions of Americans will unite in a common mission to imrprove the lives of others.

Community Harvest Food Drive

According to one survey nearly 30,000 Yolo County residents, including children, low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, people living with HIV or AIDS, the homeless and people struggling to move from welfare to work, live with the threat of hunger. In celebration of “Make A Difference Day 2010,” Sacramento Logistics LLC (a subsidiary of C & S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.) has joined forces with the Food Bank of Yolo County in a county-wide food drive benefiting hungry families in our community!

WHAT: A day-long food drive. Residents throughout Davis, Woodland and the surrounding areas are encouraged to bring any quantity of non-perishable food items on that day

WHEN: Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 9:00AM – 2:00PM

WHERE: Food Bank of Yolo County, 1244 Fortna Avenue, Woodland, CA 95776

* The items we need donated the most include: Tuna/Canned Meat, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Cereal, Fruit Juice, Rice, Canned Soup (no items packaged in glass, please!)

*Volunteers will be needed to help spread the word, as well as work the day of the event to collect donations and to distribute information about the Food Bank.

*This is a great opportunity for groups, families and residents, in general, to come together in support of our neighbors in need. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sue Raddatz via phone
(916) 373 - 4238, or Teryl Warren at: (530) 668- 0690.



Seeds of hope: Master Gardeners help feed the hungry

Missed Friday's Enterprise?  Check out this reprint of Patty Rominger's fabulous feature story and stop by the Food Bank to check out the Master Gardeners in action in classes & in our Demonstration Garden!

By Patty Rominger
Special to The Enterprise
September 24, 2010 09:16

Courtesy of the Davis Enterprise

Hunger hurts. It hurts children, families, the elderly, the ill and those on the edge or those homeless. According to the Food Bank of Yolo County, 30,000 Yolo County residents live with the threat of hunger. But government officials, business leaders and volunteers continue to work together toward a goal of ending hunger across the nation.

One group of local volunteers, busy planting seeds of hope and help for the hungry, are the Yolo County Master Gardeners. They're familiar faces at local farmers markets, offering answers and advice for seasonal gardening questions. What many people do not realize, however, is the role the Master Gardeners play in alleviating hunger.

Yolo County Master Gardener Cidney Barcellos tells how she got involved in feeding the hungry. A longtime member of the Davis United Methodist Church, she was invited by a fellow church member to visit a garden at a church in Santa Rosa. The fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs harvested from this garden had fed hungry people in Santa Rosa for more than 20 years.

After touring that garden, 'I felt called to provide food for the homeless and those living on the edge,' Barcellos said. 'I know that one of the first things to be diminished or eliminated from their grocery lists is fresh produce, and yet it is so much better for you and the taste is incomparable to canned vegetables.'

Barcellos teamed up with fellow Master Gardener Gwen Oliver and started a garden at the church on Anderson Road. Last spring, they began donating produce to the Friday's Harvest program administered through the Davis Korean Church. At that time, Friday's Harvest was handing out 70 to 80 bags of produce to the needy each week. With the extra food from the Davis UMC's Grace Garden, that number has grown to 100 to 120 bags distributed each week.

The church garden has four, 4-by-50-foot beds, four raised beds and a demonstration area. The current plan is to double the garden size so even more fresh produce can be given to Friday's Harvest.

Many hands pitch in to keep this garden going, and Barcellos and Oliver are happy to welcome new volunteers from the church and community, regardless of their gardening experience.

At Woodland Community College, Master Gardeners have a working demonstration garden and orchard that they use for teaching the public about successful home gardening techniques. Four Master Gardeners led by Steve Radosevich, as well as students in Jim Schulte's horticulture classes, meet at the college garden every Wednesday morning to harvest the food grown there.

'In early August we started donating extra produce - squash, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and eggplant - to the Food Bank of Yolo County,' Radosevich said. 'Two weeks ago, we made our largest delivery of 184 pounds of food and we estimate our total to date to be about 450 pounds.'

Thanks to the efforts of Master Gardener Florentino Castellon, the college garden also donates about the same amount of food to the Child Development Center at WCC. Nearly 40 children ages 2 to 5, offspring of full-time and part-time WCC students, are enrolled.

Anna Weidling of the Child Development Center says, 'Teaching our students about healthy eating is a top priority. We serve three healthy homemade meals a day to our students, including fresh vegetables grown right here on our campus by the Master Gardeners.

'The children have helped with some of the planting and have enjoyed watching the vegetables grow. And because of the abundance of food, we have been able to offer our parents vegetables to take home and serve to their families, again reinforcing our teaching of healthy eating and the garden-to-food connection.'

Radosevich and Master Gardener Robert Dragoon also have started a demonstration 'square foot' garden at the Food Bank of Yolo County, with the goal of encouraging food recipients to grow their own vegetables. A 'square foot' garden is somewhat like a patchwork quilt, with each square foot planted with a different variety of vegetable. A surprisingly large amount of food can be grown in relatively small spaces using 'square foot' gardening practices, the gardeners say.

Master Gardeners also are at work feeding the hungry in Davis. In 2006, a community effort began to bring new life to the Central Park Gardens in Davis. The redeveloped area on B Street now features seven themed gardens with a variety of California natives, wildlife-attracting, drought-tolerant and edible plantings.

Master Gardener volunteers maintain, plant and harvest the seasonal edible plantings garden where vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers thrive in the sunny environment. All of the garden's harvest is donated to Davis Community Meals, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization whose mission is to provide low-income and homeless individuals and families with housing, food and human services.

Using the fresh produce donated, Davis Community Meals serves meals prepared by volunteers every Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon at the Episcopal Church of St. Martin. About 30 people are served at each meal.

'In the spring and summer, warm-season crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, basil, melons, cucumbers, squash and sunflowers are the major contributions,' says Peg Smith, a Master Gardener volunteer at the Davis Central Park Gardens. 'At the end of the 2009 summer season, more than 20 butternut squash weighing approximately 2 1/2 pounds each were donated. That made a lot of soup!'

In the fall and winter, cool-season crops are donated, including a wide variety of leafy greens, broccoli, onions, radishes and beets. By rotating crops and planting continuous seasonal plantings, the Davis Central Park Gardens vegetable garden has developed into a year-round garden and will continue to provide fresh produce donations all year.

Efforts are also under way in West Sacramento to establish gardens at two elementary schools and at River City High School. These gardens will provide a source of fresh produce to students and their families, as well as educate students on where and how food is produced.

Also, through October, the Urban Farm Stand is selling fresh produce in the Broderick neighborhood of West Sacramento, which is underserved by traditional grocery stores. Leftover produce is donated to the Food Bank of Yolo County. Active participants in these efforts have included Yolo County Master Gardeners Fred Deneke, Henry Garcia-Alvarez, Del Giese, Leslie Olaya, Jan Resier and Don and Diane Rake.

For more information about the Yolo County Master Gardener program, call the Yolo County Cooperative Extension Office in Woodland at (530) 666-8143 or visit http://ceyolo.ucdavis.edu.

Kids Can!

The Food Bank is proud to be one of the non-profit organizations participating in this, the 20th anniversary year, of KCRA 3's Kids Can Food Drive!  Each year at this time, dozens of schools in the Greater Sacramento Region host student-run food drives on their respective campuses to benefit local food banks and other non-profit organziations.  Last year, we received more than 2,450 pounds of food from KIDS CAN, and we look forward to an even bigger year, this year!  Please support the following Yolo County schools in their efforts for this year's Kids Can:

*COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY in Woodland, CA*

*HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL in Woodland, CA*

*PLAINFIELD SCHOOL in Woodland, CA*

*PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY in Woodland, CA*

*WOLFSKILL CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL in Winters, CA*

To learn more about Kids Can, please visit: http://www.kcra.com/kidscan/index.html

 

There's Still Time to Take Action!

The latest studies show that more than 49 million Americans currently live in food insecure households--16 million of whom are children.

As you may already know, September is Hunger Action Month.  National sponsors like Kraft Foods, Macy's, The Cheesecake Factory and United Airlines have all launched targeted Hunger Action Month campaigns to raise both funds and awareness in the fight to alleviate hunger.

Throughout the month, Feeding America's nationwide network of more than 200 food banks--including the Food Bank of Yolo County--is also working to engage citizens to take action through the 30 Ways in 30 Days campaign.  Follow us on Twitter, or check out our Facebook page for daily posts throughout the month for innovative, doable "ways" that you can help make a difference.

Although the month is roughly halfway over, there's still time for YOU to take action! 

Please partner with us and pledge to help fight domestic hunger. From hosting a food drive, to making a donation, each of us can do something to help feed hungry families.  For more information about Hunger Action Month, please visit http://www.hungeractionmonth.org/, or contact us today at (530) 668-0690.

Do Some Good! It's Easier Than Ever 'Cause Paper = Food

Did you know that one in four children in California don't get enough food daily to meet their nutritional needs?  The recession has hit food banks as hard as it has Wall Street.  We're fortunate here in Yolo County to have a community that supports its local food bank.  And, thanks to the generosity of Boise  Business Products, it's easier than ever to lend your support!

You can help your company, your environment and your community all at the same time, because each time you buy a case of 30% or 100% recycled paper, Give Something Back and Boise, Inc. will donate $1 to the [ local] Food Bank!

As the San Francisco Food Bank's Paul Ash said recently on KOIT radio, "At first we really weren't expecting much, but [in six months] we received $25,000."  With a donation like that, the Food Bank of Yolo County can provide $275,000 worth of food to hungry people in our community!

We're asking businesses, schools, organizations and ANYONE who uses paper to please Celebrate Hunger Action Month by joining us in support of this initiative.  After all, you're gonna buy paper, anyway...might as well help the environment and hungry families in the process, right?   Get your Boise Business Products account today and start giving back!

As a special thank you:  the first 10 respondents who confirm their new Boise Inc. account number by emailing it to us at: inquiries@foodbankyc.org will get a complimentary copy of Shipley Walters' new book From Pantry to Food Bank: The First Forty Years.  (Account numbers will be used exclusively for confirmation, and will not be kept or used by the Food Bank)

To get started, simply call 888-456-GIVE, or visit http://www.givesomethingback.com/ today!

Driver/Warehouse Volunteer

We have an immediate need for a Driver and Warehouse Volunteer. Check out the details and sign up today!

Driver/Warehouse Volunteer

Think You Know Bell Peppers?

As you know, bell peppers are our Veggie of the Month for September.

But did you know they are also an excellent source of Vitamin A and C--two very powerful antioxidants that may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and several cancers?



Vitamin C, of course, helps boost our immune system; and Vitamin A is a critical support for eye and skin health. But did  you know that bell peppers have more Vitamin C than oranges? That's right, and this "miracle food" also contains lycopene and betacryptoxathin --both of which have been found to lower the risk of certain cancers.

And that's not all!  Bell peppers are also rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Folate, and small amounts of Vitamin K--which plays an important role in bone health.  So now that you're up to speed on the wonders of bell peppers, it's time to start enjoying them.  Before you go and grab one, here's what you need to know...


When buying bell peppers: Select bell peppers that are firm, glossy and plump. Make sure that they have no blemishes or soft spots. The flesh should be brightly colored and should yield to gentle pressure.

When storing bell peppers: Bell peppers can be stored without being washed in your refrigerator, where they will keep for approximately a week. However you should wash bell peppers if you plan to freeze them. For maximum flavor and nutritional value, store them whole.

Check out our Myspace blog at http://www.myspace.com/yolofoodbank/blog every Friday during the month of September for new creative and delicious ways you can enjoy bell peppers!

Proper Nutrition Is Critical for Growing Minds and Bodies

Missed the August edition of our column in the Davis Enterprise?  Enjoy the reprint, here!

Proper Nutrition Is Critical for Growing Minds and Bodies

By

Frances Johnson

Special to The Enterprise
Published: August 29, 2010

As the new school year begins this month, many of us may reflect back on fond memories of the "back to school" routine: new clothes, new books and freshly sharpened pencils; the anticipation of a new teacher, new friends, and a new schedule. But for the one in five children in Yolo County facing food insecurity — the government's label for what we commonly know as hunger — returning to school may not be something to look forward to.

On the first day of school, children experiencing hunger will have already fallen behind their classmates. These children will have more difficulty concentrating in class, be more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems, be sick more often during the school year, and struggle with low educational achievement.

Proper nutrition is vital to the growth and development of children, which is of particular concern for children in low- income families. And the consequences of child hunger extend far beyond this school year. Children who grow up poor are more likely to be unemployed and to receive public assistance as adults, continuing the cycle of poverty.

Ending child hunger is an investment in America's future. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama announced a goal of ending childhood hunger in America by the year 2015. Since taking office, President Obama and other members of the Administration have reiterated that commitment. The Food Research and Action Center, a national policy and advocacy group, has put forth seven essential strategies for achieving this goal. These strategies focus both on improving and expanding the nation's nutrition programs, and bolstering the economy and strengthening supports for working families in order to move more out of poverty, the root cause of hunger.

Many of these opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of schoolchildren are included in the federal Child Nutrition Reathorization Act which is currently making its way through Congress. This important legislation covers funding and nutritional guidelines for the school breakfast and lunch program, after school sites, and summer meals in addition to more innovative ideas like farm to school programs which have had such success locally.

But while policies and priorities are discussed and debated at the national level, the Food Bank of Yolo County is working to address childhood hunger here in our local community every day. Through our partnerships with schools, day cares, and other organizations serving children we are working to ensure that the children of Yolo County have the nourishment they need to grow and learn

We can solve child hunger in our community. Together, we can ensure that all children get the nutritious meals they need every day and provide a better tomorrow for children in need.


— Frances Johnson is the director of programs at the Food Bank of Yolo County

Second Annual Running of the Turkeys - SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!!!!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010

Come celebrate the holidays with Woodland’s own
“Running of the Turkeys” family fun event benefiting the Food Bank of Yolo County!  

This year’s Second Annual Running of the Turkeys at Nelson's Grove promises to be even bigger than before. You won’t want to miss a moment!


Stay tuned for more details - including sponsor, vendor and Family Fun Fair information!!

A Taste For Your Senses Cooking Class Schedule

September 2010 Schedule

We've got one month under our belt, and the reviews have been nothing short of FABULOUS!

Kick off you Fall with flavor and sign up for one of Chef Arturo Vargas' amazing classes TODAY!

All classes cost $30, materials included

* Wednesday, September 8  - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tamale Class

Join us to learn how to make a healthy upgrade to a delicious favorite: Oaxaca-style vegetarian, wrapped in banana leaves.


* Thursday, September 16  - 6:00pm to 8:00pm  
Mexican Independence Day Enchilada Class

What’s the difference between Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero? Learn how to prepare authentic and healthy red, black, and green enchiladas.


*Tuesday, September 21 -  6:00pm-8:00pm
Veggie Thai
Come and learn how to give your healthy vegetables the flair of Thai flavors.


*Wednesday, September 29  - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Pastabilities

Pasta is an easy, inexpensive dish to make but can become a boring routine. This class focuses on simple upgrades to add color, flavor, and nutrition.

Contact us at (530)-668-0690, or
email reception@foodbankyc.org.
Space is limited, so DON'T DELAY!

Food Fight!

"Food fight!!"  Those who are of a certain age will fondly recall the late John Belushi nealry inciting a riot with those two simple words in National Lampoon’s raucous comedy Animal House.  But as parents and students settle in to the new school year, there is another, more insidious food fight brewing: that between lunch versus dinner...or, more accurately, nutrition versus finance.

"In the effort to raise Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids, we don't want to risk compromising their dinner to improve their lunch."  This was the sentiment recently expressed by Nancy Rice, president of the School Nutrition Association (SNA) in the wake of the announcement that Congress had passed the Child Nutrition Reauthorization legisltaion that would, in essence, fund child nutrition programs by slashing SNAP (food stamps) benefits.  In a signed letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one hundred six Representatives expressed outrage at being "forced to choose between jobs and healthcare or food for hungry people."  The signatories went on to say, "This is one of the more egregious cases of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and is a vote we do not take lightly."  The bill, passed by unaniomous consent without debate or a voice vote, would add an additional $4.5 billion over 10 years to, among other things, improve meal quality for school lunches.  More than $2 billion of the added funds to the school programs will be generated by reducing food stamp benefits.

The latest studies show that, as of May of this year, participation in the food stamps program reached a record high 40 million people.  Incidentally, the program has set records for participation for 18 straight months. As we brace for the crunch that increased need, coupled with decreased food stamp benefits will undoubtedly cause, we urge you to continue supporting the Food Bank and other organziations throughout Yolo County who work diligently to feed our community's hungry and chronically poor residents.  To learn more about the various ways you can help, please contact us today at (530) 668-0690 or visit us on the web at: http://www.foodbankyc.org/.

(Data Courtesy of Foodlinks America)

Help! I Seem To Have Lost $14 billion!

In what is being billed as an unprecedented amount of proposed budgets cuts, federal lawmakers are now considering reducing food stamp funding to the tune of a staggering $14.1 billion over 10 years.  The proposed cuts would diminish the current average monthly food stamp benefits for an average family of 4 from $133.77, to $59 per month. 

Read the entire story here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/proposed-cuts-to-food-sta_n_683162.html

FREE Summer Gardening Tips Class!

H.E.A.L Program

Presented By: Steve Radosevich & Robert Dragoon

Come and learn at an interactive workshop class in conjunction with Food Bank of Yolo County about summer and winter gardening strategies and techniques!

DATE:  August 25, 2010

TIME:  10:30am-11:30am

WHERE:  1244 Fortna Avenue, Woodland, CA 95776

For more information, and to confirm your attendance, please contact: Jessica Trumble at:  jtrumble@tuleyome.org 

or via phone: (530) 350-2599.

Drop in for a few minutes or an hour with your gardening questions!

Interactive Food Preserving Class!

H.E.A.L Program

Presented By:  Florentino Castellon

Come and learn at an interactive workshop class in conjunction with Food Bank of Yolo County about the best ways to preserve food!

 August 18, 2010

10:00am-11:00am

At the Food Bank!

1244 Fortna Avenue,

Woodland, CA 95776

For more information, please contact:

Jessica Trumble at: 

jtrumble@tuleyome.org,

or via phone number:

(530) 350-2599.  

How Well Do You Know Melon?

Melons are rich in iron, contain twice the calcium that spinach has and has twice the amount of potassium that bananas have. Melons contain lots of Vitamin A, which is very important for several functions of the body.  Melons are a good source of Vitamin C, have a high water content, are relatively low in calories, and also fat and cholesterol-free.

When shopping for a Honeydew Melon, choose one whose skin has a slight waxy feel to it which means it is ripe.  They will be firm with a small amount of softness at the stem and will be fairly large.  Those that weigh about 5 pounds have the best flavor and sometimes the seeds of an especially sweet melon will rattle when shaken.

Good quality Watermelons will be firm, evenly-shaped, and heavy for its size.  The flesh of cut melons should have a fresh, firm texture, and the seeds should be fully mature and hard.  Watermelons do not ripen any further when they are cut from the vine.  Avoid watermelons that are partially pale green or white, soft overall, or that are leaking white fluid.

Good Cantaloupes will have yellow/orange coloring and be slightly soft on the stem and firm elsewhere.  The longer a cantaloupe stays on the vine, the sweeter it will be.  Avoid choosing a cantaloupe with green coloring, soft or sunken spots, or dark and dirty spots that look moldy.

Just Getting By

A recent report released by Foodlinks America stated that a staggering 61% of Americans claim to currently be living paycheck-to-paycheck.  To "make ends meet" today, 21%  of workers say they have had to forego putting money into retirement or savings accounts during the past six months. 

And, among those who have actually managed to save, almost half of them could only afford to sock away less than $100 per month.  This means, not only is their current economic situation a precarious one, but their entire futures could likely be compromised, as well.

In past times, it may have been easy for us to dissociate ourselves from statistics like this. 

However, it's clear that, as a society, apathy and blissful ignorance are luxuries that we can no longer afford.

Here at the Food Bank, the county-wide reversal of fortune we've witnessed is nothing short of shocking. Friends and neighbors who had once become donors have now, sadly, become our consumers. 

And, according to Foodlinks America, 61% of us are only a paycheck away from sharing their fate. That said, perhaps it's  time we begin to view the Food Bank - not simply as a community charity - but also,  as a community investment.  

For every dollar donation we receive, we're able to convert it into $11 worth of nurtritious food; and more than 70 food closets, soup kitchens and shelters rely on our resources to provide direct-service to thousands of homeless and chronically poor families throughout our region.

The Food Bank's ability to serve the community depends on the generosity of the volunteers, donors and businesses who help us achieve our mission.  This is one investment whose return is immediately apparent.  Giving back to the community is more than just helping those who are currently less fortunate than you.  By supporting the Food Bank, each of us is also ensuring that, in our potential time of need, there will be a vibrant organization in place to provide the critical support upon which our own families may be forced to depend.

If you would like to learn more about the many ways you can contribute to our community by partnering with the Food Bank, please contact us today.

Food Bank of Yolo County: Cooking Classes at the Food Bank!

Food Bank of Yolo County: Cooking Classes at the Food Bank!: "“A Taste For Your Senses” Cooking Class Series Hosted by Chef Arturo Vargas at the Food Bank of Yolo County 1244 Fortna Avenue Woodland, C..."

Quilting for a Cause at the Yolo County Fair THIS WEEK!

Did you know the word "quilt" is derived from the Latin "culcita," meaning "a padded and tied mattress?" 

Quilts were originally made for their utility, as the technique produces a thick padded fabric -  either for warmth or for protection. Quilts have also been used as vivid storytelling canvases--literally weaving histories and narratives into perpetuity.

Thanks to Mrs. Janet Wheaton and some of her friends from Woodland's former Beehive Quilt Shop, this summer, quilting will take on an entirely different meaning.

The 3 quilts pictured here will be given away as raffle prizes at this year's Yolo County Fair.  Tickets will be on sale from now until Sunday August 23rd, priced at $1.00 per ticket, and 6 tickets for $5.00.  

  

All monies generated from the ticket sales will be donated to the Food Bank of Yolo County!

When asked what inspires her to take on the enormous task of quilting, Mrs. Wheaton simply replied that she "enjoys getting the creative juices flowing."  Quilts such as this would typically retail for upwards of $300.00, so a chance to take one home for just a dollar is an unbelievable opportunity. 

The raffle for the quilts will be held on the last day of the Yolo County Fair--August 23rd. Winners do not have to be present to win. For more information and to purchase a raffle ticket, please contact Janet Wheaton at (530) 662-7063.

If you have an idea for a creative fundraiser to help the needy in Yolo County, please contact the Food Bank at (530) 668-0690.  Thank you, Mrs. Wheaton, for supporting the Food Bank of Yolo County! See you all at the Fair!

Hunger Is Humanity's Everday Catastrophe

Did you miss our monthly "Focus On Health" feature column in Sunday's Davis Enterprise?  If so, check out the reprint, here!

Original Print Date: Sunday, July 25, 2010
Special to the Davis Enterprise

Hunger Is Humanity's Everyday Catastrophe

By William F. French

Disaster.  The dictionary defines it as a "calamitous event, especially one occurring suddenly and causing great loss of life, damage or hardship."  Thanks, in part, to global media coverage, we've become all too familiar with the sight of devastation caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and so on.

While it's true that natural calamities often paint a vivid and dramatic portrait, there is another sort of disaster that warrants mentioning - one that is faced by thousands in Yolo County on a daily basis: hunger.  One need only ask a working family facing foreclosure, a furloughed government employee, or one of the thousands of unemployed job seekers, and they'll resoundingly affirm that our current economic climate is nothing short of disastrous.  And with no end to this man-made debacle in the foreseeable future, to where may our neighbors turn in their time of desperation?

For 40 years, the Food Bank has worked to fulfill its mission "to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in Yolo County."  We successfully distributed over 2.3 million pounds of food to the hungry in this county in 2009, and all estimates indicate that we will eclipse that number by far this year.  And, as is the case with any disaster relief effort, it will take a collaborative approach if we are able to be successful in meeting the current demand.

Yolo County is fortunate in that it has been decades since a catastrophic disaster has impacted our region.  Yet, it one's time of need, any measure of loss can prove overwhelming, as was evidenced by the recent fire that destroyed part of West Sacramento's Broderick Christian Center.  As one of our valued member agencies, the Food Bank was quick to respond to the Broderick Christian Center crisis; and through a collaborative effort with California Foodlink, we facilitated the donation of more than 10,000 pounds of food which has already been distributed to hundreds of West Sacramento's neediest residents.

It has been said that, in times of disaster, we witness either the best or the very worst of what a community has to offer.  Here, at the Food Bank, with fingers crossed, we're hoping for the very best.  In the wake of the common trauma we're now experiencing, is it fair of us to expect our neighbors and friends to unite in the common causes of feeding and supporting one another?  We think so.  The Food Bank's very existence is a testament to the spirits of community and unparalleled philanthropy that persist in Yolo County; and, during these extremely difficult days, it will take a renewed commitment to that spirit  to ensure our community's future survival.

For more information about how you can help, call the Food Bank of Yolo County at (530) 668-0690.

William F. French is the Food Resource Development Manager for the Food Bank of Yolo County.

Cooking Classes at the Food Bank!

“A Taste For Your Senses” Cooking Class Series

Hosted by Chef Arturo Vargas
at the Food Bank of Yolo County
1244 Fortna Avenue
Woodland, CA  95776

All classes cost $30, materials included

Join us beginning this Monday, July 19 as we unveil a new series of healthy cooking classes at the Food Bank of Yolo County!  Whether you're "culinary-challenged" or just looking for ways to spice up some of your favorite recipes, you'll enjoy this fun informative foray into food!  Check out our current class schedule!

Current Class Schedule

*Monday, July 19  -  6:00pm-8:00pm*
Tortilla Class - Nothing comes close to the freshness and flavor of homemade tortillas. You’ll learn how to prepare the masa and make tortillas by hand with the best masa and tools. Tortillas can be used in several dishes and we’ll make a variety of Vegetarian Sopes in class.

*Friday, July 30  -  6:00pm to 8:00pm*
Veggie Thai - Come and learn how to give your healthy vegetables the flair of Thai flavors.

*Monday, August 2  - 10:00am-12:00pm*
Healthy Favorites: Mexican - What’s the difference between Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero? Learn how to prepare authentic and healthy red, black, and green enchiladas.

*Monday, August 9  - 6:00pm-8:00pm*
Sensational Salsas - Are you a salsa fanatic? Here you will find great homemade salsa to fuel your passion for one of the world’s favorite foods. Come and join us for a colorful, zesty, spicy class.

*Friday, August 13  - 10:00am-11:30am*
Healthy Favorites: Chinese - Craving Takeout? Come learn how to prepare your favorite noodle dish at home, using fresh and local veggies.

*Monday, August 16  - 6:00pm-8:00pm*
Tamale Class - Join us to learn how to make a healthy upgrade to a delicious favorite: Oaxaca-style vegetarian, wrapped in banana leaves.

*Friday, August 20 - 10:00am-11:30am*
Tostada Fiestas - Come and join us for a Tostada Fiesta class and learn about Mexican herbs to combine with flavors with a fusion of vegetables.

*Friday, August 20  - 6:00pm-8:00pm*
Cooking with Peppers - Hot, Medium, and Mild; cooking with peppers, Mexican-style, from fresh peppers to dried chilies, expose yourself to a world of spicy tastes. We will review several varieties of peppers and chilies, their characteristics, and use to common dishes.

*Monday, August 23 -  10:00-11:30am*
Beyond Ramen - In this class you will learn how to turn inexpensive favorites into a healthy meal.

*Monday, August 30 -  6:00pm-8:00pm*
Stuffed with Taste - As bell peppers, zucchini, and chilies begin to appear at your local market, it is the perfect time to learn some healthy, delicious ways to make those veggies the focus of your meal.

Cash, check and credit card payments accepted.
For more information and to sign up for a class, please call:  (530)-668-0690,
or email reception@foodbankyc.org.

Don't delay!  Space is limited!

Food Bank Salutes Mariko Yamada For Taking Challenge

At a time when stock prices are plunging, unemployment rates are soaring and many Americans are struggling with uncertainty regarding their economic futures, it's encouraging to see elected officials like Assemblymember Mariko Yamada raising awareness about an issue that is affecting a steadily increasing number of Californians.

The Food Stamp Challenge is an opportunity to not only experience, first-hand, the budgeting constraints that millions of Californians face on a regular basis, but it's also an opportunity to take stock of our individual eating and food-spending habits.  For instance, have you ever considered how much money you spend on food daily?  Weekly?  Annually?  How would you respond if  you suddenly found yourself unable to enjoy or afford some of your favorite treats and dishes?

Assemblymember Yamada's reflections of each day's meals and activities give insight into the necessity of  making smart decisions, and, oftentimes, difficult choices in the wake of severely limited resources.  We thank and salute Assemblymember Yamada for, once again, taking the Food Stamp Challenge!

If you haven't already had a chance to review the personal insights and comments regarding Assemblymember Yamada's journey, we encourage you to please take some time to do so on our blog today. You can also learn more about the Food Stamp Challenge by checking out the news articles below:

Ginger Rutland: Could you eat on a food stamp diet?

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/05/2869054/could-you-eat-on-a-food-stamp.html#ixzz0soo5DkPL

Solano County Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada experiences a week on 'food stamps'

http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_15427241

Assemblywoman issues challenge to live on $20 a week in food

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_15427415

Say Hello To Our L'il Eggplant!

So, exactly how well do you know our July Veggie of the Month?  You probably know that  eggplant is one of the most versatile veggies out there, and can be enjoyed fried, baked, roasted or steamed.


But did you know that they are also nutrient-dense and vitamin-packed? That's right.  Eggplants are a very good source of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, copper and thiamin - also known as vitamin B1.  On top of that, they're low in calories and fat - which makes them a must-have for any weight loss plan!

When shopping for eggplant, choose one that is firm and heavy for its size.  The color should be vivid--whether it is purple or green.  To test the ripeness of the eggplant, press on the skin with the pad of your thumb.  If it springs back into place, it means it is ripe.  The skin of an eggplant should be free of discoloration, as bruises or scars can often mean that the flesh underneath has become damaged and possibly decayed. 

You'll also want to avoid purchasing eggplants that have been waxed.  Eggplants are very sensitive to both heat and cold and should be stored at a temperature of 50 degrees Farenheit.  And remember:  don't cut an eggplant before you store it, because it perishes quickly once the skin has been punctured or its inner flesh has been exposed.

So now that you know everything there is to know about eggplant, it's time to start enjoying it, right?!  Check our Myspace blog every Friday during the month of July for exciting, delicious eggplant recipes.  In fact, there are 2 amazing egglplant recipes posted on the blog right now!

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=466395866

Food Stamp Challenge: Day 5

Thursday and Friday were whirlwinds. I think both our Capitol and District Offices were working double-speed to get ahead of the short week coming up after a three-day holiday.

My meals last night and today were made up of the week's leftovers. I never did use the two roma tomatoes and still have $.76 left.

But tonight, as I close out the 2010 Food Stamp Challenge, I have made myself a strong cup of coffee out of the 1.5 oz. package of French Roast that I have been saving all week. Have not had a cup of java since last Sunday, and I can say that I am savoring every swallow. For a coffee-holic, this cup is like a special dessert.

As we begin this Independence Day holiday weekend, I think of all those who would like to throw a barbecue for their families and wonder if they will have enough to celebrate.

Although the comments posted on the Woodland Daily Democrat and Vacaville Reporter websites have been mixed, I am glad to see this issue being discussed. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing millions of Americans with basic food security.

The first Food Stamp Program began in May of 1939, more than 70 years ago. With our State unemployment rate at least 12%, our economy slow-to-recover, jobs scarce, and the widest gap between the rich and the poor since the Great Depression, SNAP benefits can provide a common-sense lifeline to all those who qualify.

Happy Fourth of July 2010! Mariko

Food Stamp Challenge: Day 4

This will be the fourth of five posts on the 2010 Food Stamp Challenge.  Although we have not had any comments on this blog, The Daily Democrat in Woodland, the Davis Enterprise, the Vacaville Reporter, the Sacramento Bee, and California Food Policy Advocates in Oakland have contacted us about our efforts.

Wednesday evening, I prepared the second package of ground turkey with mushrooms and spinach and used the remaining angel hair pasta to make a tasty and filling meal of chow mein.

I have noted feeling tired a little earlier each evening without my usual eight cups of coffee a day.  I am not sure whether my staff notices any difference in my overall style given the lack of caffeine (smile), but I have been turning in about midnight each night rather than my customary 2 a.m. bedtime.

Friday, I will be in my District Office in Vacaville, beginning our summer work period.  I will continue to work every day in Sacramento as well as throughout the district while we work towards resolving the State's difficult budget crisis.

Last word tomorrow. Mariko