Ending Childhood Hunger by 2015 Listening Session

The public is invited to attend a listening session hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in response to the Obama Administration’s challenge to federal agencies to eliminate childhood hunger by 2015.

The listening session is being held at the Oakland Federal Building on Thursday, October 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be a lunch break from Noon – 1:00p.m. Attendees are asked to provide their own lunch.

During the session, FNS representatives will listen and gather recommendations for ending childhood hunger by 2015 from program cooperators, participants and partners at state and local levels, who provide unique yet necessary points of view that will help assist the Obama Administration as it considers potential changes to programs and their delivery. Our own Cindy McCown, Senior Director of Programs and Services at the Food Bank will be speaking on behalf of the California Association of Food Bank’s.

For more information, email wro-pa@fns.usda.gov or call (415) 705-1311.

If you are unable to attend, comments and recommendations can be emailed to the above address or faxed to: (415) 705-1364. Deadline for submissions is October 15, 2009.

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria Menlo Park Opening Benefits Food Bank

On Tuesday September 22nd, Amici's East Coast Pizzeria celebrated the opening of their Menlo Park location with a 'Charity Lunch' in support of the Food Bank.

Amici's staff were joined by 'celebrity servers' Brian Murphy, Paul McCaffrey and Dan Dibley, hosts of The Morning Show on KNBR-680, who showed off their restaurant skills and entertained customers.

The event was well supported by Menlo Park residents including Mayor Heyward Robinson, and Sports fans from around the Bay Area.

Lunch sales totaled $2,300, to which Amici's added a $1,000 tip on behalf of each of the 'celebrity servers' for a grand total of a $5,300 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. This generous donation will provide 10,600 meals to people in need in our community.

Thanks to Amici’s and everyone who came out to enjoy a great lunch and support the Food Bank.

Photo is by Chris Gulker of http://www.inmenlo.com/. Pictures L-R are: Brian Murphy (KNBR), Heyward Robinson (Mayor of Menlo Park), Dan Dibley (KNBR), and Paul McCaffrey (KNBR).

Cheesecake Factory supports Hunger Action Month with special promotion

On September 30th, bring two cans of soup to any local Cheesecake Factory and, on top of your food donation, they will donate 10% of your check to the Food Bank.

The Cheesecake Factory is a corporate partner of Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month. During the month of September, Feeding America’s nationwide network of 205 food banks are calling upon their communities to help end local hunger.

Chef Cat Cora to host Backyard "CCQ" in support of Second Harvest

Head out to Macy's Valley Fair - 2801 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose on Saturday, October 3rd at 2:00pm where Macy's Culinary Council chef Cat Cora will host a Backyard "CCQ".

Join us to sample some of Cat's favorite recipes. Feed your passion for gourmet cooking while showing your support for Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Ticket price is $15. All proceeds from event will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Ticket transaction will be completed at Macy's prior to start of the event. Cash or check only. Please make check payable to "Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties". For more information, log onto macys.com/events.

2nd Annual Hunger Issues Forum for Santa Clara County

The September 10th Hunger Issues Forum was organized by the Food Bank and was sponsored by Santa Clara University’s Food & Agribusiness Institute and SCU’s Leavey School of Business. Approximately 125 attendees gained a better understanding of how childhood hunger affects our economy while learning about public policy opportunities and how to take action on hunger issues.

Speakers included:

Dr. John Cook with the Boston Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Cook explained findings from his recently released report Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on Our Nation.

Dr. Ed Cooney, CEO of the Congressional Hunger Center in Washington D.C. Dr. Cooney addressed how we can influence system changes to achieve President Obama's commitment to end domestic childhood hunger by 2015.

Dr. Drew Starbird, acting Dean of Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business. Dr. Starbird explained what the unmet food needs look like for Santa Clara County residents.

Dr. Daniel Delgado, pediatrician at the Pediatric Healthy Lifestyles Center at the Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System. Dr. Delgado shared what is happening locally to improve children’s lifestyles.

Video of the presentations will be available soon.

The Carolee Hazard 93 Dollar Drive Totals Over $13K

The Carolee Hazard 93 Dollar Drive (see blog post from August 26) has taken on a life of its own! As of today, more than $13,000 has been donated to the Food Bank. And the Facebook Page she set up has received comments from all over the world.

In addition, Trader Joe's in Menlo Park, the store where this amazing story began, donated over 250 pounds of food. Pictured are Carolee, her daughters and Jenni.

Lisa Fernandez of the Mercury News first covered the story and today, Carolee and Jenni graciously agreed to tell their story to a wider audience. Pictured is Carolee being interviewed by Maureen Naylor of KTVU/FOX2.

Carolee and Jenni delivering donation checks to the Food Bank's Tami Cardenas.

Los Gatos Art Association 2010 Calendar

Buy now to support Second Harvest Food Bank!

Purchase the 2010 LGAA 14-month Calendar and adorn your home or office with images of award-winning local art. 100% of the proceeds from these great gifts will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties to provide food for our neighbors in need.

Visit the LGAA website to learn more about the artists and use this order form (PDF) to request your calendar(s) now!