Foodsharing Spring 2015

Spring 2015

“Thank you that you would see the need for impacting people’s lives.”– Jan, mother and wife

Step Up. Stop Hunger.

Each year, the Hunger Walk/Run event helps area hunger programs raise critical funds to provide food and hope for a better future to families struggling to make ends meet.

Register Now! HWR2015.org SEE WALK • PAGE 5

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Once Homeless, Now At Home

Daughter Keeps Legacy Alive

Hunger Walk/Run 2015

Mom credits Tucker program for helping her transition

Sally Kaplan receives Hunger Walk/Run Lifetime Achievement Award

Everything you need to know before you go

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From the Director

(Photo: Marcus Krause)

The Beloved Community

Eyes of the Beholder As I stand under the Olympic Rings and look down the hill to the beginning of the Hunger Walk/Run each year, it appears as if a sea of humanity – black and white, young and old, rich and poor, every faith tradition, political persuasion and point of view – are merged into a moment in time in support of a common purpose. It’s an impression that stays in my memory throughout the year.

As Plato once said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” For me there is nothing more beautiful than Hunger Walk Day. With almost 20,000 walkers, there are many eyes both giving and receiving impressions.

The eyes of Michael DeCoursey, Hunger Walk/Run Project Manager, are always

If only for a few hours, the Hunger Walk/Run is a time and place where those moments can and do happen, where people come together to create something bigger than themselves.

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looking to ensure that everyone is safe and having fun; that the job is getting done and participants have a sense of fulfillment. Our volunteer team’s eyes are locked on the 300 volunteers it takes to pull off the day – do they know where they need to be and have the support they need? The eyes of event sponsors notice how their investment in this event is making a difference. The eyes of the faith community are wide open with the possibility of living out their beliefs. Where else can Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and others meet in a spirit of trust, mutual love and compassion? The eyes of the benefiting charities are filled with pride as their teams arrive. Most important are the eyes of the walkers and runners who are looking to connect, have fun and share a meaningful experience.

Hope for Humanity But my eyes – eyes that have seen this activity grow from a simple idea and a few hundred people in 1984 to almost 20,000 participants today – see a glimpse of “The Beloved Community.” It’s a term that was first coined in the early 20th Century by philosophertheologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation. It was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who popularized the term and invested it with a deeper meaning which has captured the imagination of people all over the world.

For Dr. King, The Beloved Community was a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to nonviolence. Dr. King spoke of a type of love called “agape” which

is embodying good will for all humanity. It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. It is the love of God working in our lives. As he so eloquently stated, “It is the love that may well be the salvation of our civilization.”

He went on to say, “It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding and goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”

A Moment in Time In life, we yearn to experience transformational moments that positively change our consciousness. But we often miss the moment, thinking there is something bigger coming. We’re not fully aware it can happen at any time, on any day.

If only for a few hours, the Hunger Walk/Run is a time and place where those moments can and do happen, where people come together to create something bigger than themselves. While we certainly measure success at the Hunger Walk/Run in dollars raised and participants present, we know the biggest success of this event is the people who come and foster a spirit of love, goodwill and reconciliation. It brings about that moment in time we all desire. It brings The Beloved Community into reality.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014/2015 OFFICERS Chair Arlene Glaser Vice Chair Mary Moore Secretary Jackie Parker Treasurer Andrew Stith Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Ciaramello 2014/2015 BOARD MEMBERS Ellen Bailey Martha Brooks Joe Chow James Dallas Steven J. de Groot Ed Fisher Mark Holifield Patrick Jones Robby Kukler Bill Levisay Matt McKenna Margaret “Marjy” Stagmeier Wayne Vason Lesley T. Wainwright Jerry Wilkinson GENERAL COUNSEL David Long-Daniels EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bill Bolling

OUR MISSION Our mission is to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering our community.

WHO WE SERVE The Atlanta Community Food Bank supports more than 600 local nonprofit organizations with hungerrelief programs in 29 metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties.

Once Homeless, Now at Home When you meet Laurena, you sense that she’s at peace. She gives the credit to NETWorks Cooperative Ministry, a partner agency of the Atlanta Community Food Bank located in the heart of Tucker, GA. “When I was homeless and had no one to help me, NETWorks Co-op was there for me. They took me in like I was family,” said Laurena. She and her four children endured the trials of being homeless for six years.

“It’s hard when you’re looking at your kids and they’re looking at you, asking ‘what are we going to eat today?’ There were times when I felt my dignity was taken away,” said Laurena. “Now we’re in a better place.”

Like Family Laurena still refers to the staff and volunteers at NETWorks as family. When she comes to the co-op these days, it’s often simply for a visit. She and her family have transitioned from homelessness and celebrated one year in their house in October. The family “When I was feeling is mutual. homeless and had “Laurena and no one to help me, her children are exactly the kind NETWorks Co-op of neighbors that was there for me. make NETWorks They took me in a great orgalike I was family.” nization. She –Laurena is constantly sharing information or donating items, and her cheerful spirit brightens up the office whenever she visits,” said Holly Duncan, NETWorks Executive Director.

Most recently, Laurena connected

Contents Letter from the Director

Laurena considers the staff and volunteers at NETWorks as her family. The agency was instrumental in helping her transition from homelessness. (l-r) Laurena with Marianna Anderson, Holly Duncan and Margaret Bartholomew of NETWorks. (Photo: Amy Hudson)

Duncan with the DeKalb County School System Homeless Liaison Social Worker, Sandrea Jones. As a result, awareness is growing. “I don’t have any money to donate, but I have time and a very loud mouth and I would gladly tell anyone how NETWorks helped me and my family,” said Laurena.

Growing Community Support Thanks to a grant that NETWorks Co-op recently received from the Food Bank, they will soon have an addition of a refrigerated truck that will provide reliable transporta-

Connect with us 2

Follow us on Facebook at

facebook.com/atlfoodbank

Once Homeless, Now at Home 3 Daughter Keeps Legacy Alive 4 Step Up. Stop Hunger.

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Atlanta, You’re Amazing!

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Hunger Walk/Run 2015

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Youth Summit Returns

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tion for food pick-ups and help the co-op create new partnerships with local grocers and restaurant vendors for continued community support in Tucker. With the truck being refrigerated, NETWorks can help distribute more fresh produce and other perishable food options in its community.

The co-op currently provides assistance to an average of 32 neighbors each week.

This close-knit community is compiled of various families including single-parent homes and the elderly. For more information on NETWorks Cooperative Ministry, visit networkscoop.org.

EDITORS Angie Clawson, Julie Bryant Fisher, Amy Hudson CONTRIBUTORS Tori Allen, Bill Bolling, Angie Clawson, Michael DeCoursey, Julie Bryant Fisher, Steve Hargrove, Elizabeth Haskell,

Follow us on Twitter at

twitter.com/acfb

Daphne Hill, Amy Hudson, Naretha Timberlake and Beth Warner COVER PHOTO Allison Young DESIGN Fain & Tripp, Inc.

Follow us on Instagram at

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For the latest news, direct your favorite news reader app to

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Learn more about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, our events, and our community at acfb.org.

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Daughter Keeps Legacy of Fighting Hunger Alive Receives Hunger Walk/Run Lifetime Achievement Award

The greatest hope for the Kaplan family is that their story will inspire and motivate others. (l-r) Lisa Kaplan, Rebecca Kaplan, Jonathan Kaplan, Philip Kaplan, Rachel Kaplan and Sally Kaplan. (Photo: Angela Boroden)

Hunger Quiz See how your answers stack up! percentage of 1) What Georgia children are at risk of hunger? a) 11.3% b) 28.1% c) 19.5% many meals were 2) How provided through the Atlanta Community Food Bank last year? a) 26 million b) 480,000 c) 43 million many employees 3) How would the Food Bank have to hire if it didn’t have 100,000 hours of time given by volunteers a) 52 b) 10 c) 120

Answers: Answers 1) b. 28.1% of Georgia children live in food insecure homes. 2) c. The Food Bank provided enough food for 43 million meals last year. 3) a. It would take 52 full time employees to do the work provided by our volunteers.

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Sally Kaplan was thrilled to be recognized for her fundraising efforts for the annual Hunger Walk/Run, but she gives all the credit to her mother, Helen Cavalier.

“My mom always told us something she had heard from her parents,” said Kaplan. “If you’re lucky enough to have two loaves of bread, it’s your responsibility to share one.”

Cavalier not only believed that, she lived it. Her passion for hunger relief consistently made her a top fundraiser for the Hunger Walk/Run for almost 20 years. “Staying involved in the Hunger Walk/ Run has allowed me to keep her presence with me,” said Kaplan. “It was something she felt so strongly about. If I can keep it alive for her, I could

“Hunger didn’t end in my mom’s lifetime and it might not end in mine, but we can hope that it will as future generations take the reigns.” – Sally Kaplan

keep her alive with me.”

Kaplan and her mother have supported the event through the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, a benefiting partner of the Hunger Walk/ Run. Last year alone, Kaplan raised more than $25,000.

Over the years, her fundraising for the event has exceeded $311,000! The Food Bank was honored to present her with the new Hunger Walk/ Run Helen Cavalier and Sally Kaplan Lifetime Achievement Award in January.

If you’re guessing that Kaplan’s children support the event, you’ve guessed right. Her husband, daughters and grandchildren participate. “Hunger didn’t end in my mom’s lifetime and it might not end in mine, but we can hope that it will as future generations take the reigns,” said Kaplan.

“Our greatest hope is that this story inspires and motivates others.”

Morehouse Makes the Most of MLK Day We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an annual “MLK Day of Service” to celebrate his monumental contributions to mankind and continue his mission of service and compassion. Across the country, many people volunteer at local nonprofits to not only recognize Dr. King, but to make a difference in their communities.

For the past four years, Morehouse College has dedicated the time on MLK Day to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Teams of

Morehouse students have served in multiple areas of the Food Bank including the Product Rescue Center, mobile pantries and community gardens.

“It was great to see such an amazing turnout,” said Morehouse student and Bonner Scholar Gregory Barber, who played a lead role in hosting this year’s Day of Service at the Food Bank.

“I’m thrilled so many people came to take the opportunity to keep Dr. King’s message alive through this day of service.”

Many Morehouse students, faculty and family members have made it a tradition to volunteer at the Food Bank on MLK Day of Service.

The Morehouse Bonner Scholars were among several volunteer groups that participated this year. (Photo: Allison Young)

WALK • continued from cover

Step Up. Stop Hunger.

Each year, the Hunger Walk/Run event helps area hunger programs raise critical funds to provide food and hope for a better future to families struggling to make ends meet.

Help is Here Fortunately, there are places that can help fill the gap when it’s tough to make ends meet.

Joseph’s Storehouse, the food pantry located on the grounds of the Marietta Church of God, is just such a place. The pantry, a partner agency of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, is open for families and individuals who

“I see lives changed through what’s going on here at Joseph’s Storehouse. People share good news; people see that people are able to move forward in life and not get stuck. The goal is to impact lives in such a way that they don’t need help with the food anymore.” – Jan

need food assistance every Tuesday, as well as the third Saturday and fourth Wednesday of every month.

For the past four years, staff and volunteers from Joseph’s Storehouse have participated in the annual Hunger Walk/ Run event, organized by the Food Bank. They will participate again with a goal to raise $3,000. This year’s Hunger Walk/Run is scheduled for March 15 and registration is open at HWR2015.org.

Jan and her husband Michael appreciate the sense of community at Joseph’s Storehouse. They are pictured here with pantry Executive Director Oleta Herron (center) (Photo and Cover Photo: Allison Young).

Hunger Walk/ Run at a Glance Who: 17,000+ walkers, runners and volunteers who want to step up and stop hunger

An Awesome Way to Give Back “Raising funds for this event is an awesome way for us to give back,” said Oleta Herron, executive director of Joseph’s Storehouse. “We’re so grateful we can open our doors as often as we do,” said Herron. “If not for the Food Bank, we probably wouldn’t be in existence.

And we certainly wouldn’t be able to provide the quality of food we do. Not only does the Food Bank care about making food available, but they want to make sure it’s nutritious food.”

Jan and other clients often mention the fresh produce they can get at the pantry. “We come once or twice a month and they have lots of fruits and vegetables,” said Jan. “It’s a big help because that’s the expensive part of going to the grocery store.”

Lives are Changed The Food Bank provides food for 600 partner nonprofits just like Joseph’s Storehouse.

Without funding from the community, the Food Bank and its partners would not be able to

What: 31st annual 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for hunger relief When: Sunday, March 15, 2015 12-4PM

Where: Turner Field

Jan and Michael’s daughter, Julianna, is thriving at home and school (Photo: Allison Young).

offer the support that so many families and individuals need.

Each year, the Food Bank counts on the Hunger Walk/Run event as one of its biggest funding sources.

We asked Jan what she would say to those who participate in the annual Hunger Walk/ Run. “Thank you that you would see the need for impacting people’s lives. I see lives changed through what’s going on here at Joseph’s Storehouse. People share good news; people see that people are able to move forward in life and not get stuck.

The goal is to impact lives in such a way that they don’t need help with the food anymore.”

Benefiting Charities: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and St. Vincent de Paul Society Register: Online at HWR2015.org (walk-up registration also available) (Photo: Rihannon Bradley)

Jan, her husband Michael and daughter Julianna are typical of many families in America today. They keep busy schedules filled with school activities, volunteering and picking up work wherever they can. With two college degrees under his belt and years of working as an assisted living facility maintenance supervisor, Jan’s husband Michael is seeking a new job. Jan’s once thriving home business now generates just enough to cover some of the bills. Sometimes the family needs help stretching their resources.

“There have been times when I’ve had to decide whether to buy a gallon of milk or put gas in the car,” said Jan.

New this year: Hunger Walk/ Run Champions Club – Raise $500 or more and receive special recognition!

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Atlanta, You’re Amazing!

(Photo: Louie Favorite)

(Photo: Marcus Krause)

Communities and citizens across Greater Atlanta rally for hunger relief through a variety of creative endeavors – see below for a sampling of some of our favorites.

A Toast to the Roast

We’re Thankful

This year’s star-studded “Legends of Atlanta Roast” transformed the Food Bank’s industrial warehouse into a lavish dining hall and raised more than $265,000. In the hot seat: Roastees Derek and Justin Anthony of 10 Degrees South/YEBO, Steve Simon and Robbie Kukler of Fifth Group Restaurants, Nancy and Mark Oswald of Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Scott Strumlauf and Michael Krohngold of Tongue & Groove. (l-r: Derek Anthony, Dolvett Quince, Justin Anthony and Jesse Itzler)

Sixteen years of preparing Thanksgiving meals with John Smoltz and family, personalities from Atlanta TV stations and chefs from the Renaissance and Marriott Hotels … now that makes us thankful! The group gathered for the annual “Thanksgiving Dish” in the kitchen of the Waverly Renaissance Hotel to create 2,900 Thanksgiving meals including 1,000 pounds of turkey, 800 pounds of mashed potatoes, 600 pounds of fresh green beans and more!

(Photo: Amy Hudson)

Dave Feldman’s career has offered his family the chance to live in many cities across the country. But they’ve been glad to call Atlanta home for the past 12 years.

One constant always remained no matter where the Feldmans resided – their dedication to give back to their community through financial support and volunteering. “I got really involved in a community kitchen in Ann Arbor and a battered women’s shelter in Cleveland,” said Dave’s wife, Karen.

Those experiences reinforced Karen’s desire to continue finding opportunities for the whole family to make a difference.

Dave and Karen Feldman, with sons Zack and D.J., have made it a tradition to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank through donating and volunteering since 2005.

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Dave felt the same. “Wherever we lived, we would look for the highest rated charities to support. After we returned to Atlanta, we discovered the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and it was just a natural choice for us,” said Dave. The family began making charitable donations to the Food Bank in addition to bringing their sons Zack and D.J. to sort and pack groceries in the Food Bank’s Product Rescue Center. Now, at the beginning of 2015, the family continues the tradition of volunteering.

“I was in the fifth grade and D.J. was in the eighth when we started,” said Zack. Now the brothers are both in college and continue their support by volunteering when they’re home for summer and holiday breaks. Over the years, they’ve often brought friends along with them.

While Atlanta offers a variety of wonderful organizations that help the community, Dave considers the Food Bank to be one of the best. “Everyone always looks for a charity that makes an impact. This is something very tangible,” said Dave. “Your dollar isn’t just a dollar. It stretches a lot further. There are few places you can give and have a true impact. The Food Bank is one of those places.”

(Photo: Angela Boroden)

This Family Lives to Give

Driven to Serve The holidays inspire the community to support the Food Bank through fun and engaging food drives.

We’re grateful for all of the donations of grocery items received this season to help struggling families. A total of 600 drives conducted October December brought in 577,223 pounds of donated food, a 21% increase over last season! Food drives can be conducted any time of the year, not just the holidays. Visit acfb.org/food-fund-drives for more information.

“Wherever we lived, we would look for the highest rated charities to support.

After we returned to Atlanta, we discovered the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and it was just a natural choice for us.” – Dave Feldman

STEP UP STOP HUNGER

5K Walk/Run

Sunday, March 15, 2015 • 12– 4 pm Turner Field • Atlanta Step up this spring and make a difference for families, children and seniors struggling with hunger in our community. Enjoy live music, Atlanta’s best food trucks, children’s play zone and more!

Register Online • Fundraise • Fight Hunger HWR2015.org

REGISTER NOW! 12:00 – 4:00 pm Onsite Registration & Festival/Entertainment • 2:00 pm 5K Walk/Run

Grab your black tie and join us on Thursday, April 30 at the 40th Annual “11Alive Community Service Awards!” The Atlanta Community Food Bank is honored to be this year’s beneficiary of the event that will highlight 11 outstanding local volunteers who have demonstrated selfless devotion for the betterment of the community. The event will be co-chaired this year by Arthur Blank and Kevin Rathbun, making for an unforgettable evening. Tickets are $300 per person with proceeds benefiting the ACFB. The event will be held at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown Atlanta.

For ticket info, please contact Amy Holloway at aholloway@wxia.gannett.com.

More Great Ways to Give Back While Having Fun Looking for exciting activities that will create great memories and also make a difference in our community? Look no further than the Atlanta Community Food Bank! Enjoy a variety of events throughout the year that benefit the Food Bank and help provide thousands of meals for families in need - everything from cooking classes and galas to golf tournaments and concerts.

Our schedule of upcoming events is continually updated, and you can check it out at www.acfb.org/events.

(Photo: Naretha Timberlake)

Be Inspired at 11Alive Community Service Awards

Founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, Mary Moore, donates space for all Simple Abundance Cooking Classes to benefit the Food Bank. She’s also one of our favorite teachers!

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Atlanta area high school students, your opportunity of a lifetime awaits!

Youth Summit applications are now being accepted for summer sessions.

Visit acfb.org/youth-summit.

Spring 2015

Inside:

Local family expresses their gratitude for those who participate in hunger relief efforts

My donation

For every dollar you contribute, ACFB can provide enough food for four meals to neighbors in need.

YES, I want to help feed my hungry neighbors.

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