Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Successful "Renewing America Together" community food sort




In the spirit of national collaboration, President-elect Obama called upon all Americans to join forces for “Renewing America Together” — a national day of service in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.  At the invitation of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Feeding America asked local Food Banks to consider hosting “events” to continue to support his campaign pledge to fight hunger in America and end childhood hunger by 2015.

This past Saturday, we hosted a special food sort at the San Jose facility that brought our community together to learn about and support our mission.

We started the morning off with an address from address from Assembly Member Jim Beall Jr., who shared his insights on the impacts of the California budget on low-income residents and made suggestions on how people could take action. 

Mark Bregman, EVP and CTO, Symantec, addressed the crowd, encouraging them to become involved to support food security.  He reminded them that they can be part of change within their community. 

The food sort consisted of close to 100 volunteers bagging apples for distribution on Tuesday. After bagging, participants watched a new video about Second Harvest created by Intel volunteers, and then toured the facility, saw displays of what a typical Family Harvest Program participant family would receive, and saw maps of our service area. 

Our guests had a great time.  They ranged from about 14 years old into their 80’s.  They were excited and energized.  For many, this was the first time they had been to the Food Bank!   

It is so exciting to see our community pull together with a renewed sense of commitment. Thank you to everyone who helped make our Day of Service so rewarding!

Pictured above is Assembly Member Jim Beall Jr. and Mark Bregman, EVP and CTO, Symantec. We were honored to have them speak at the event.


Friday, January 16, 2009

January eNewsletter - get inspired to make an impact in 2009!

I wanted to let everyone know that we just sent out the latest edition of our monthly e-Newsletter. This publication typically features Food Bank updates and information about our upcoming campaigns, advocacy related information, volunteer highlights and community events. 

As most of you know, 2008 was particularly challenging for the Food Bank, but it was inspiring to see how the community rallied to help fight local hunger and keep food on the tables of those in need. In the January issue, you will learn how to make 2009 our most impactful year to-date. 



Friday, January 9, 2009

Mobile Marketing Firm Supports Food Bank

As our Holiday Food & Fund Drive wraps up, I continue to receive tid bits of information related to the many, many creative ways that community members used to promote the drive and/or solicit donations during the season.

Apptera, a mobile marketing firm in San Bruno, distributed an electronic holiday thank you card to their clients. The card was actually an interactive game where players assisted “Bobby” with locating his lost holiday wish list.

After helping Bobby with this task, participants were asked to select their favorite charity from a predetermined list, of which Second Harvest was a part.

I was happy to hear that Second Harvest was selected as the charity of choice by Apptera clients prompting the company to donate $1,000 to the Food Bank.  Thanks to Apptera and everyone in our community for their support this holiday season!

Pictured in the photo from left to right: Henry Vogel, President and CEO and Randy Haldeman, CMO of Apptera along with their kids plus Rhys, the ‘voice of Bobby’.