Board Member Spotlight: Thomas Neylon

By Mike Dombkoski,
Communications Intern                                                                                    

The Food Bank of Delaware would not be able to accomplish much of what we do in the fight against hunger without support from our fantastic board members. One such member is Thomas Neylon, a representative of Syngenta, a company focused on growing crops from fewer resources based in Wilmington.

Neylon and Syngenta recently became sponsors for our Community Supported Agriculture program. Through this, Neylon hopes to shine light on how farmers use Syngenta or other agricultural products while also seeing the benefits firsthand of providing fresh produce to a new segment of the population.

Neylon says he first found out about the Food Bank through Syngenta’s US Coporate office, which has been volunteering here for more than ten years.

“We have performed numerous volunteer jobs from sorting donations to making lunches and backpacks for the school programs,” said Neylon. “It has always made me feel very good when you hear the statistics following a volunteer effort like we just helped pack school backpacks so 500 children will be able to eat that weekend.”

He also sees numerous similarities between how Syngenta and the Food Bank operate, with innovation and a focus on people being pillars of both.

“[Innovation] is evident in The Culinary School, mobile pantry and the various differentiators between the [Food Bank of Delaware] and other food banks,” Neylon said. “[Syngenta] centers on looking at more than single product offerings and looking for new partnerships and collaborations to meet our ambition to help farmers grow more crops with fewer resources.”

“Both Syngenta and the FBD understand that people are their number one asset and have a very professional and motivated workforce.”

Neylon never has an issue finding reasons to stay involved and support the Food Bank either. All he has to do for motivation is think about those who do not know where there next meal is coming from.

“As a native Delawarean, I am always astonished and saddened to hear the ‘hunger statistics’ from so close to home,” he said.

“However, I look forward to listening and learning further about all of the great initiatives and projects that the [Food Bank] undertakes.”

The Food Bank of Delaware looks forward to the continuous support from Tom Neylon and Syngenta and thanks them for what they have already done!

Food Bank of Delaware celebrates its 33rd graduating class

We celebrated the accomplishments of nine of our culinary students yesterday at a graduation ceremony at our Newark facility.

Under the instruction of Chef Instructor Nicole Wilson, students spent the past 14 weeks developing their passion for the culinary arts. From proper knife handling techniques to sautéing and food safety skills, the students are prepared for entry-level jobs in the food industry.

Guest speaker Tom Hannum, head chef and co-owner of Buckley’s Tavern, commended the students for their hard work and commitment to the program. He also instructed them to keep an open mind, work as hard as they can and always be willing to learn more.

“The more you learn, the more you do, the further you get,” said Hannum. “You can learn from anybody.”

He also advised the students that no job is too small. “I still wash dishes,” he said.

Graduate Maureen Brown shared words of wisdom with her classmates.  “We held on, we didn’t fail, we did prevail.” said Brown.

“I am proud of the accomplishments of all of our students,” said Wilson. “They have worked so hard to get to today’s graduation. From learning ServSafe skills to successfully completing their internship, the students have demonstrated that they have what it takes to have a career in the food industry.”

“I highly recommend this program for any person that has a passion for culinary arts,” said graduate Patrick Hulton. “It is a great start for anyone new to the food service or restaurant industry. It is also a good rebound for anybody with unstable employment.”

In addition to learning hands-on skills in the food bank’s industrial-sized kitchen, the students also catered meals for the Wilmington Grand Prix, Food Bank of Delaware appreciation dinner and annual meeting and numerous other catering jobs for the community. A highlight of the 14 week training program was a garde manger skills competition.

“The food competitions worked to challenge me to do the best I can do,” said graduate Audra Maguire. “I thank [the Culinary School] for giving me the opportunity to succeed in my endeavors in the future.”

Following the ceremony, guests were served a lunch prepared by the graduates. The students featured a menu of salmon filet, honey chipotle chicken tacos, lobster ravioli, funnel cake fries and more.

The mission of The Culinary School is two-fold. First students are taught skills that are highly desirable to employers in the food industry and second, these newly-developed skills have the potential to lead to jobs in the industry that provide job security and economic sustainability.

Students are referred to the program through the Criminal Justice Council, Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and other community-based organizations.

Congratulations, graduates!

Maureen Brown
Hummu Darway
Andrienne Dolley
Kevin Gunter
Terrone Hammond
Patrick Hulton
Troy Lopez
Audra Maguire
Cherise Simon

The following students received special awards:

Patrick Hulton, Perfect Attendance & Most Improved
Hummu Darway, Best Attitude
Audra Maguire, Highest G.P.A. & Most Dedicated
Troy Lopez, Leadership Award

To learn more about The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware, please visit
http://www.fbd.org/the-culinary-school/
.

Check out some photos from the graduation ceremony!

 

Protecting limited income families with the Farm Bill

By Brenda Palomo, SNAP Outreach Coordinator

On an income of $600 a month, Valerie** somehow managed to get by with her bills and responsibilities. Under such a tight budget, however, nutrition sometimes went by the wayside. She explained, “a lady told me I need to eat a lot of vegetables. I love vegetables, but I can’t afford them.” At age 77, Valerie’s voice shakes when she speaks. She is a few inches short of 5 feet tall, and for the last 20 years since her husband passed away she has struggled to make ends meet by herself in her mobile home near Felton, Delaware. She used to work at a local manufacturing plant, now she depends on her measly monthly social security check and has never before had to apply for government assistance. As I began to fill her online application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) she thanked me for helping her, because she had no idea how to use a computer.

Valerie represents thousands of seniors who are in need of assistance as food prices rise and social security incomes remain fixed. She also represents a huge demographic of elderly people who have never received government benefits, even when they need them. There are many reasons for this, starting with rampant myths that have stigmatized the program as unnecessary welfare, a drain on the economy or a breeding ground for fraud. In fact, the program is highly effective in its purposes. There is about a 1% fraud rate in the program due to increased oversight and new technology that has made all exchanges traceable through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

Additionally, SNAP is beneficial to the economy. At the state level, when SNAP funds are spent, they provide a boost to the local economy: for every $5 of SNAP benefits that are spent, economists say the increase is actually equivalent to a $9 boost. At the national level, SNAP has been designed to expand or shrink according to need, so when people need it most the program will expand to provide a bit of relief until recipients can regain their financial footing and raise themselves out of the eligible income range. So although the current charged political environment has many bashing the high costs of SNAP, it is important to keep in mind that the state of the economy has driven many out of a job or to lower pay. Currently the national rate of unemployment and underemployment stands at 14.3%, which correlates highly with the SNAP participation rate of 15.1%. As the economy recovers, the costs will shrink, which is already evident in recent months. In fact, according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), in the month of February 2013 alone (the most recent data available), participation in SNAP decreased nationwide by more than 213,000 people.

Throughout the country, SNAP Outreach Programs just like the one at the Food Bank of Delaware aim to make these important benefits available to some of the most vulnerable populations by de-stigmatizing the program and reassuring people just like Valerie that it is okay to apply for much needed help. The All-American pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps spirit is strong in the people we meet; many insist that if it takes away from someone who needs it more, they would not like to receive benefits, even – as one person admitted once- with the prospects of eating only a can of beans for dinner. It is our responsibility to let these fellow patriots know that, for the moment, they are the ones who “need it more” and that with a supplement to their food budgets and more nutritious diets, we are only helping to provide essential tools for them to tug those boot straps up.

We also need to urge our representatives to remember this American spirit and embody that willingness to give up a little if it will help those with less, ultimately raising the whole of American society. All of us need some initiative to pull ourselves out of hardship without leaving our fellow Americans behind when they are most vulnerable. The Farm Bill, the controversial legislation that is creating headlines all over the country, is being brought to vote within the next two weeks. This bill dictates the whole budget for SNAP benefits, among other agricultural policies like farm subsidies- and this year congress is on a path to make immense cuts to the SNAP Program. It is highly irresponsible for members of our congress to make platitudes about the program not working and simply propose to cut it, when in reality what the program needs is closer study to continue making it more effective. It does not make sense to design a program to grow in times of need and then abolish it because it is working the way it was designed. The way to make the country more financially stable and save money is not by dropping the safety net that prevents our citizens from falling through the cracks. What can we say about ourselves as Americans, when a person like Valerie, who has been a productive member of society her whole life, stops receiving the small supplement that allows her to buy slightly more nutritious food? How can we continue to develop policy restricting nutritionally-hollow foods, when we do little to provide alternatives to unhealthy choices for low-income families?

The SNAP program is not perfect- there is always room for improvement- but that requires closer examination and calculated policy changes, not the outright slashing of funding. SNAP and its beneficiaries are not at fault for the financial indiscretions of our government officials, the problem is much deeper than that, and decreasing the limited resources that low-income Americans can use to access of the most basic human needs is definitely not the solution.

*The name has been changed to protect the confidentiality of the individual.

For more information on the Farm Bill and what you can do to help prevent cuts, please visit:
http://help.feedingamerica.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Advocacy_Take_Action&s_foodbank=true&s_src=foodbank

Sources:

FRAC:
http://frac.org/reports-and-resources/snapfood-stamp-monthly-participation-data/

Food and Nutrition Service :
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fraud.htm

Donor Spotlight: Bayshore

By Mike Dombkoski, Communications Intern

Bayshore Moving & Storage has had a long standing partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware. This partnership was recently highlighted when Bayshore was named Partner of the Year for 2013 by our organization at our annual awards dinner.

Bayshore has provided tractors, trailers, trucks, drivers and logistical support for the Food Bank for numerous events, most recently being the Stamp Out Hunger Letter Carriers food drive in May. Bayshore also went beyond the call of duty this past fall when they helped deliver food to victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and New York.

The Food Bank of Delaware appreciates everything the strong relationship with Bayshore has brought us. One particular advocate of the partnership is Andrew Larmore, Bayshore’s manager of the Delaware branch and a new Food Bank of Delaware board member.

“The best part about the partnership is the feeling of knowing that you are able to help people,” said Larmore. “[The Food Bank of Delaware] is very blessed and fortunate to have such a wonderful group of employees that really care about people. Everyone should make more of an effort to help.”

The Food Bank would not be able to accomplish much of what we have done without the help of Bayshore. Larmore credits the beginning of the partnership to a Food Bank of Delaware volunteer who had a sister who was an employee at Bayshore.

“We were always aware of [the Food Bank.] It took talking to her to wake up one day and realize we should do something.”

That day was several years ago now and the partnership has only strengthened as time has passed. Larmore and Bayshore have actually spread word of the work of the Food Bank to other companies as well.

“[Bayshore] is always talking to other companies about ways they can help out. SupplyOne packaging company has donated containers to the Food Bank,” Larmore said. “Not many days go by where we don’t think of other companies that can help out.”

This continued support has helped us get involved with other organizations across the state.

Larmore and Bayshore hope more people and companies can get involved with the Food Bank and other non-profit organizations in order to help the community at large.

“Helping is the least Bayshore can do. It’s so frustrating to see those hungry when we are so fortunate. It is our responsibility to help.”

The Food Bank of Delaware thanks Andy Larmore and Bayshore for all of their contributions!

Vanguard’s All Cans on Deck food drive

By Caitlin Custer, Donor Outreach Coordinator

I had the pleasure of attending the kick off of Vanguard’s 17^th Annual “All Cans On Deck” food drive a few weeks ago in Malvern, Pennsylvania. This is nationwide event benefits food banks, crisis centers and hot meal programs and will also take place at Vanguard’s North Carolina and Arizona campuses. Vanguard has been an integral partner in the fight against hunger in Delaware – raising 61,422 pounds for us in just the past two years.

Each year, Vanguard employees host events like car washes, departmental competitions, auctioning off a parking spot (which last year was won by someone who commutes by train each day), sports tournaments and bake sales. The dollars raised from the events goes towards purchasing items for donation to the pre-selected non-profit organizations in the area. Each of the three campuses competes against one another, and the location that collects the most items wins!

The real winners however, are organizations like the Food Bank of Delaware that receive large volume, high-quality donations at a time in the year when donations can be scarce. The bulk of our food drives are normally held during the late fall and early winter months, around holidays, and the summer can be a low point for most food pantries and food banks. The timing of the All Cans On Deck food drive puts it at a great spot to keep the citizens of Delaware fed during the home stretch at the end of the summer.  We have also been very successful in driving down the cost of our Backpack program for children by 26 percent by using items from this type of corporate donation.

Other organizations benefitting from the Pennsylvania campus’ drive include: The Chester County Food Bank, Crisis Care Ministry of Mercer County, The Salvation Army of Upper Darby and West Philadelphia and Philabundance. Each organization received a chance to speak at the kick off last week, most spending the time to thank Vanguard for their continued support, with one organization noting that the Vanguard food drive accounts for 95% of their donations received each year.

We always love hosting Vanguard Volunteers, and we are especially excited for July 18^th when they will be coming in to help out at the conclusion of their food drive to sort their donations. A big thanks to the employees of Vanguard for what I’m sure will be another hugely successful year for All Cans on Deck!

If you would like to host a food drive, please contact me at ccuster@fbd.org!

Acme Shopping Spree results in $11,000 donation for the Food Bank of Delaware

We are excited to announce that Acme Markets has donated $11,000 to our hunger-relief efforts in the state of Delaware. The donation is a result of an Acme shopping spree that took place last Thursday through the aisles of the grocer’s Dover store (check out the video!).

Food Bank of Delaware staff members were joined by NASCAR truck series drivers Ron Hornaday and Brennan Newberry and WBOC News Director Mike Chesney for a race around the store. Acme president Jim Perkins issued a challenge to the “racers,” “collect more than $1,500 during the 99-second shopping spree and Acme will double the amount collected.”

During the spree the team loaded grocery carts with high-price items such as diapers, large slabs of meat, laundry detergent and more. More than seven carts lined the checkout, and it took more than 20 minutes to ring up the items. The team collected more than $5,300 worth of products.

“As the official grocery store of the Dover International Speedway, Acme is proud to partner with NASCAR in supporting the work of the Food Bank of Delaware,” said Jim Perkins, Acme president. “It was great fun for a great cause.”

“I was so excited to participate in the Acme shopping spree,” said Food Bank of Delaware Milford Volunteer Coordinator Matthew Brandi. “Before I started I set a mental game plan to go for the high-dollar items in order to get the largest donation for the food bank. It worked, and I am so proud of the team!”

“Acme continues to step up to help us alleviate hunger in the First State,” said Food Bank of Delaware Branch Director Chad Robinson. “From the weekly fresh food donations to events throughout the year, this donation will go a long way in helping the one in four Delawareans who depend on our network of emergency food assistance services each year.”

Chase and Jeff Gordon donate 36,000 meals to Delaware seniors in need

Race weekend is officially here and NASCAR fever has hit the Food Bank of Delaware! We were so excited to host NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and officials from Chase and AARP Drive to End Hunger at our Newark warehouse yesterday! The group presented a donation of 36,000 meals to us to distribute to area senior citizens. The donations consist of the meals packaged during Chase’s May 17 Grand Prix food packing event, as well as meals that will be packed by NASCAR fans at the Dover International Speedway race on Sunday.

The audience gave a round of applause for Jeff when he entered our warehouse for the event! We are so thankful that he shares our vision for a community free of hunger! We were also excited, because he’s the first celebrity to ever visit! Through the AARP Drive to End Hunger campaign, Jeff works to increase awareness of senior hunger in our country. Senior hunger impacts more than nine million Americans each year. Together, we can help alleviate it!

Our staff will join Gordon’s Drive to End Hunger team again this Sunday at Dover International Speedway! The first 300 race fans to pack senior meal boxes in the Fan Zone starting at 7:00 a.m. will receive a free pass to a Jeff Gordon Q&A session (find us at turn 4!). Last fall NASCAR fans packed more than 500 boxes in less than an hour!

“We, of course, feed people that are hungry. That’s our mission,” said Patricia Beebe, our President and CEO. “And any time we have someone like Jeff embrace our cause and be a part of what were all about, it helps us feed more people, and that’s always a good thing.”

Check out some more photos from yesterday’s event!