INSIDE

Kibble Connection Client Stories Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball Empty Bowls Stryker Food Drive NALC Food Drive Matching Gifts APRIL 2014

Coming Soon

NEW LEADERSHIP BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY

British writer Benjamin Disraeli once noted that the secret of success is to be ready for opportunity when it comes. At Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, were preparing to use our newest opportunity to achieve even greater success toward a hunger-free community. That opportunity is one of leadership. Im pleased to announce that Jennifer Johnson, who has served KLF as Director of Resource Development and Public Relations since 2007, is the new Executive Director of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Only the fourth Executive Director in our history, Jennifer brings vital talent, knowledge and energy to her new role. She has been an exceptional leader within the organization and is fully committed to our mission. The process of finding a new Executive Director was challengingnot due to lack of candidates, but because there were so many! Our Board of Directors assembled a team of board and community members, under the leadership of Martha Simpson, to lead a rigorous selection process. The high level of interest testifies to the solid reputation for service and stewardship built by KLF volunteers and staff over the years. Were thrilled with the teams choice and excited to have Jennifer as our new Executive Director. A native of Petoskey, Jennifer has lived in the Kalamazoo area for 12 years. Prior to her work with KLF, Jennifer served as a part-time instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kellogg Community College, as well as in various training, customer relations and administrative roles in North Carolina, Illinois and Michigan. She earned a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in English language and literature, both at Central Michigan University. As we welcome Jennifer to her new position, we bid a fond adieu to Anne Wend Lipsey, who is retiring at the end of March. Her association with KLF began 30 years ago, as one of our first office employees in 1984 until 1991. Since her return as Executive Director in 2003, KLF has greatly expanded its ability to address food insecurity. The Kalamazoo area owes a great debt of gratitude to Anne for her outstanding leadership and unwavering focus on achieving a hunger-free community. We wish Anne all the best in her (sure to be active) retirement! Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has been privileged to have great leaders. Please welcome Jennifer to her new role, thank Anne for her years of selfless service, and join us in the important work of feeding hungry people and engaging the community in the fight to end hunger. KLF Board President Sam Lealofi

April 4-5St. Martin of Tours Overnight Retreat:

overnight retreat focusing on prayer, fasting, and issues of food justice. To register for the retreat, please call the church office at 269/381-3188 before March 31st.

St. Martin of Tours will host an

April 27CROP walk 2014:

This years CROP walk will bring another chance to provide food, clean water, disaster relief, and childrens health to needy

people around the world, and right here in Kalamazoo. Visit www.kalamazoocropwalk.com for more information.

April 29Celebrate Anne!:

you to celebrate the career and accomplishments of Anne Wend Lipsey on April 29 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, located at 4717 Campus Dr. in Kalamazoo. For more information, contact KLF Communications Coordinator Kevin at 269/488-2617 ext. 218 or at kevin@kzoolf.org.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes invites

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: KIBBLE CONNECTION

On March 22, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes piloted a unique collaboration with the SPCA of Southwest Michigan to distribute food to all members of the familypets included. MUD RUNJUNE 7 Nicknamed the Kibble Over 2,000 runner got muddy to Connection by SPCA promote clean water and food Executive Director security in 2013. This years Mud Katie Timber, the newly Run 5k race will be even more fun, formed partnership aims more muddy and raise more funds to alleviate hunger for to help those in need. both local residents and their furry friends. Registration is now open at At our prescheduled www.kalamazoomudrun.com . Mobile Food Initiative Space is limited. Dont forget to (MFI) site at St. Andrew sign up! Churchwhere human food is served to local Proceeds from the event will be residents on a first-come, donated to Kalamazoo Loaves & first-serve basisKLF Fishes and Active Watera charity welcomed the SPCA to that works to bring clean water to join local hunger-relief communities throughout the world. efforts by offering pet food to our community. It was a natural fit, said KLF Executive Director Jennifer Johnson. By having the SPCA offer additional resources to our MFI program, which has already been so successful, we are teaming up to help build an active and healthy Kalamazoo County by getting food into the hands and pawsof those that need it the most. The SPCA of Southwest Michigan is one of the areas preeminent animal rescue facilities, saving thousands of homeless dogs and cats and placing them in loving homes in 10 counties throughout Southwest Michigan. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes believes that community collaboration is vital in our efforts to build a hunger-free community. If your organization is interested in working with KLF in our efforts to shape a brighter future for Kalamazoo County, please contact Communications Coordinator Kevin at 269/488-2617 ext. 218 or at kevin@kzoolf.org.

MICHAELS STORY
Michaels* passion is food. He studied culinary arts at a distinguished school in New York City and returned to his hometown of Kalamazoo, where he flourished as a chef at a well-known downtown restaurant. Food was his passion. Food was his livelihood. Then the restaurant closed, and food became an uncertainty. After searching for work out of town, Michael returned to Kalamazoo to help support his family, and is now tasked with providing for his children and grandchildrenseven individuals living in his two bedroom apartment. Putting food on the table isnt always easy for the single father, who now works as a cashier at a local pizza restaurant chain while he seeks local culinary opportunities. Im making $8 an hour now, compared to $27 an hour a couple of years ago, and I have a lot of mouths to feed. Losing my job as a chef had a huge impact on my family. And Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes provides food assistance to Michael

In late March, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes partnered when he needs it to with Alamo Cinema Drafthouse to present two free keep his children and showings of the highly lauded documentary A Place grandchildren nourished. at the Table to help raise awareness about hunger Kalamazoo Loaves in our neighborhoods. & Fishes saves me at the end of the month, he Recently, KLF has obtained a copy of another said. I get a little bit of well-received hunger-related documentary titled government assistance, American Winter. The film follows families in one but not enough for seven American city during the winter following the largest people. economic downturn since the Great Depression. If it wasnt for Kalamazoo Loaves If you missed out on our showings of A Place at & Fishes, I would be the Table or are interested in watching American desperate. There would Winter, KLF is offering free viewings of either be a lot of desperate followed by an open discussion at our 901 Portage people throughout our St. offices. To schedule a viewing, contact Kevin at county if this service kevin@kzoolf.org wasnt here to help us out. I want to tell everybody not to be their family. The face of hunger is afraid or too proud to visit Kalamazoo constantly changing in our community Loaves & Fishes. I have never had a and Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes truly bad experience here. Everyone is so values your contributions. polite. Every day, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes helps individuals like Michael *name change for anonymity provide basic food resources for

MUST SEE MOVIES

Join the Loaves & Fishes Team

Interested in helping Kalamazoo become a hunger-free community? Weve got a place for you! Attend an orientation meeting to get started. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES: Saturday, April 12 Wednesday, April 23 Wednesday, May 21 Sign up with our Volunteer Coordinator, Cherise Buchanan: 269/488-2617, ext. 209 or online at cherise@kzoolf.org President Obama Signs Farm Bill

MELZER PANTRY EXPANSION

In an effort to increase capacity for direct food assistance service in the Edison Neighborhood, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has added morning availability on Tueseday and Wednesday at its in-house Mary K. Melzer pantry. This added shift allows KLF to reach an additional 70 households each week, and the ultimate goal is to double the pantrys capacity with additional shifts Monday through Thursday. Strategically, KLF has focused on increasing our food assistance efforts in high-need areas, such as neighborhoods in the north, south and east sides of the City of Kalamazoo, and the Melzer initiative is an important step in implementing our growing service goals.

PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

In order to continue the ongoing expansion of our services, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is looking for groups of volunteers to fill consistent roles in our pantry system. If your group, or a group you know, is interested in changing lives in our community on a weekly basis, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Cherise at cherise@kzoolf.org or 269/488-2617 ext. 209.

President Obama signed the long-deliberated federal farm bill at Michigan State University earlier this year. Included in the bill is $8 billion worth of cuts to the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps), a far better outcome than the $40 billion worth of cuts proposed late last year. Still, these cuts take food resources away from those that need them the most. The implementation timeline remains uncertain, but more than 850,000 households nationally are expected to see a $90 per month reduction in SNAP benefits when the cuts take effect. As Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes braces for the repercussions of this legislation, your support for our community is more important now than ever before.

Pantry volunteers at work.

FOOD WISH LIST

April: May:
Canned tuna

KLF APrIl GIVINg COUPON

APRIL 2014 COUPON #129
AMOUNT $________________ I wish to remain anonymous. Did you know that $1 can provide an individual with breakfast, lunch and dinner for a day? Spring into action and help change lives in our community. Please send your contribution by April 25.

Low or no-salt canned vegetables Foods high in protein (6 grams or more) are always needed in our warehouse, too.

KLF MaY GIVINg COUPON

2014 COUPON #130
MAY
AMOUNT $________________ I wish to remain anonymous. Your donations can help thousands of local children finish the school year healthy and strong. Please send your contribution by May 26.

STRIKE OUT HUNGER JUNE 1 WITH THE KALAMAZOO GROWLERS

Baseball is back in Kalamazoo! The Kalamazoo Growler's baseball club will kick off its inaugural season, as well as Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes Food is Fuel Kids Campaign, on opening weekend

Baseball is back in Kalamazoo!

when they take to the diamond against the Madison Mallards on Sunday, June 1 in the first Us Against Hunger game in Kalamazoo. As the featured charity for the Growlers tilt with the Mallards, which starts at 5:00 p.m. at Homer Stryker Field, a portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through KLF will go directly to promoting a hunger-free community. KLF will be selling $15 tickets that include admission, a hot dog, chips and a soda or water. The Growlers will also be collecting canned and nonperishable food items to help keep our pantry shelves stocked. If you are interested in being a part of the Growlers historic first season while giving back to you enough before a practice or a game, it is harder to play, Riley said. When I am hungry, I feel slower and my arms get really tired when I try to make a long shot or a pass. For thousands of local children like Riley, whose dream is to play college basketball before taking her talents to the WNBA, food insecurity is a very real obstacle in realizing their hopes and dreams, whether on the court or in schools to share a simple meal and talk about hunger. The signature of the event, students handmade ceramic bowls are displayed during dinnereach empty bowl representing a lost meal for area children facing hunger. This spring, KLF will present Empty Bowls events at Prairie Ridge Elementary School (April 25) and Spring Valley Center for Exploration (April 29). The Prairie Ridge meal is open to the public, and for a $5 donation per household, guests can enjoy dinner and chose one student-made bowl to take home. The event also features a silent auction featuring professionalmade ceramic pieces. Contact Kevin at 269/488-2617 ext. 218 or kevin@kzoolf.org for more information.

HElP FUEl K alamaZOO COUNTYS YOUTh ThIS SUmmEr

As the frigid winter months slowly bloom into spring warmth, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is gearing up for its annual Food is Fuel Kids Campaign, which begins June 1. During the summer monthswhere free or reduced-price school lunches are not availablecommunity support is vital in getting food into the hands of children that need it the most. More information on how you can help fuel Kalamazoo Countys future will be available in the June edition of our Food for Thought newsletter.

community, contact Kevin at kevin@kzoolf.org to purchase tickets or for more information. the classroom. I want to be just like Candace Parker [a famous professional basketball player], but when I am hungry, it is hard for me to focus and play as well as I can. Your donations can help provide critical sustenance for the next generation of budding Kalamazoo County athletes.

RILEYS STORY
Riley* is a wizard with a basketball. The cheery and outspoken point guard for her fourth grade team is far from bashful, and proudly claims to be the best basketball player in her school. But there is one thing that is difficult for her to talk abouthunger. Sometimes, if I dont get to eat

JOIN US FOR EMPTY BOWLS

To raise awareness about local childhood hunger, KLF partners with Kalamazoo Public Schools every year to present the Empty Bowls Project. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from UnitedHealthcare, this initiative brings together KLF staff and volunteers, and local elementary

FOOD & DEVElOPmENT

Why does KLF focus its summers on local children? Free or reduced-price school meals are not available and we know that a child that experiences hunger:

Is more likely to experience chronic health

problems. Is hospitalized more frequently. Experiences developmental and social difficulties including being held back in school, not listening to teachers or rules, fighting, blaming others and internalizing behavior. Shows increased anxiety, irritability and aggressiveness.
(According to the American Psychology Association)

Thank you to UnitedHealthcare for making Empty Bowls possible!

Your contributions to our community can help change the futures of thousands of local children that battle hunger every day.

Did you know that many local employers help stretch your contributions for a hunger-free Kalamazoo County even further by matching your gift?

DO YOU HaVE A MaTchINg GIfT PrOgram?

STRYKER CONTINUES TRADITION OF GIVING BACK

Stryker employees are turning the tables on hunger this spring through the companys annual food and fund drive benefiting Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. A long-time supporter of our cause, the medical technology companys monthlong effort kicked off March 3 with a pancake breakfast

Last year, current and retired employees from Pfizer donated nearly $24,000 dollars through the companys matching gift program, and KLF maintains strong relationships with many local companies that are committed to maximizing your generosity toward your community. Ask your HR representative if your organization participates in our matching gift program, and visit www.kzoolf.org for a comprehensive list of companies that are involved!

that was attended by KLF staff, Stryker employees, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Vice President of Southwest Michigan First Tim Terrentine and Kalamazoo Growlers Assistant General Manager Shane Stout. Last year, this opening breakfast generated $1,175 to help

feed hungry people in our community. The amount raised this year was not yet known at the time of publication, but a similar amount is expected. Other Stryker activities during the month of March include a chili cook-off, employee donation challenges and a stuff the Stryker truck eventall benefitting Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Stryker has a long history of supporting Kalamazoo County

through contributions to KLF. In total, the company donated more than $32,000 to our organization in both 2013 and 2012. It is because of communityminded organizations like Stryker that KLF is able to provide food assistance to thousands of local residents every week. Visit our website, www.kzoolf.org, for final donation totals, and thank you to everyone at Stryker for supporting our community!

THE NALC FOOD DRIVEMAY 10

Salvation Army of Kalamazoo will be collecting donations from all corners of Kalamazoo County. Participating is easysimply place canned or non-perishable food items near your mailbox on the morning of May 10, and your neighborhood letter carrier will take care of the rest. Food assistance continues to be a growing need in our community, and your generosity is crucial this year to help get food resource to

local residents that need it the most. Specifically, food items that are high in protein, such as soups, stews, canned meat and peanut butter are in high demand. Food that is unlabeled, opened, or expired will not be accepted. Thank you to local branch 246 for all of your hard work in making this food drive possible ever year.

On Saturday, May 10, you can take part in the largest food collection in America during the 2014 National Association of Letter Carriers annual food drive. Because of the hard work of local branch 246, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, the Portage Community Center and the

O YOUr F MakE a TrIBUTE T

ingful to the significant and mean is at th ft gi a e ak m can nor of a special n Mothers Day, you bute donation in ho tri a g in ak M e. lif ur veris a powerful favorite moms in yo ter, friend or caregi sis r, he ot dm an gr , er mmunity. Your woman your moth d security in our co foo ote om tance to pr d an re important food assis r fe of way to show you ca at th s m ra og lp fund pr s. contributions will he and their household s er th mo of s thousand ay 2, 2014. ur tribute gift by M yo e ak m to w no t e in time for , so ac others day is May 11 ek of May 5th to arriv dinator we e th ed ail m be or will Donor Database Co Personalized cards mation, contact our for in re g. mo or r lf. Fo oo y. kz da mothers or at laura@ 9/48 8-2617 ext. 206 Laura Winther at 26

aVOrITE MOm

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID KALAMAZOO MI PERMIT NO. 1693

901 PORTAGE STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005 FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663 P 269/488-2617 F 269/343-3669 WWW.KZOOLF.ORG

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.

Our Mission

Respect Diversity & Inclusion Stewardship & Accountability Integrity Collaboration Urgency Service

Our Values

Hussein Aki, MD Jan Andersen

IN HONOR OF

TRIBUTES 1/1/2014 3/3/2014 Special thanks to those who honor friends and family through contributions to KLF.
Bettina Meyer Boyd & Char Naylor Collin Palmers birthday Douglas & Susan Pauls 50th anniversary Dr. Steven Pollens retirement Dan Pope Jane Puvogels 70th birthday Eric Root Eris Smiths birthday Florence Steinberg Mr & Mrs T L Swiat Julius VanDerSliks 99th birthday Elizabeth Warner, MD Roger Williams Arthur Wisser Bette Anderton Patrecia Baetsen Patrecia Breen Len Bridge Richard R. Buck Joanne & Charlie Cohagen Patricia Coleman Jack Comstock Tom Crooks Dennis Deneau Evan Ebling June Entenman James & Cecile Ferguson John P. Fletcher John P. Flynn F. Thelma Foghino Bob Gernaat, Sr. Robert Graham Rex Hafer Donna Sager Hickey Eileen Holaday Ruthann Humphrey Marcia Jackson William Kaminga Ken Kean Richard L. Ketelaar II Sallie Kittredge Marguerite Kolb Jeffrey Laing Lance Lambert Darlene Lauth Glenn & Joan Ledger Linda Mary Renauld Lutz Thomas Lipsey Maxine Louden Charles T. & Helen Lynch M.S.N. Murty Nicholas Matyas Mary Melzer Kathy Mizeur Maurita Nunes Priscilla Olton Jaimie Oorbeck Thomas Oorbeck Frank Ossiff Jr. Rick Ostericher Frances Overmyer Thomas J. Patterson Perry Prough Ann Raup Jessica Renauld Oswald & Alvina Renauld Mary Roche Lucille Rudegeqir Fred R. Russell

Laurel Barber Bob Black Jessica Black Judy Brawley Sidney Brushs birthday Jennifer Dalton Donors to the First United Methodist Church pantry Beverly Folzs birthday Carol Grant Sierd Hoekstra John Holms Berneice L. Hunt Deb Josephson Sam Kerbys birthday Marvin King Scott Levene The wonderful work of Anne Wend Lipsey Eric & Nancy Lum Ruth Matteson James McKernan

IN MEMORY OF

Marilyn Scheel Jennie Schiedel Dr. Peter Schmitt Martin & Emma Schmitt Jean Schrader Daniel Schultz Foster L Sherwood Jr Victor Siemers Joani Siwik Sandra Snow Doug & Marie Renauld Stone Richard Dick W. Tanner Jerry Tiller Robert Travis Clara Van Til John Wallace Shirley Walter Frieda Wambach

MaLinda Webster Jeannine Wilson Jack Wooden

John, Barney & Florence Westra

Connect With Us:

www.facebook.com/ KalamazooLoavesAndFishes www.twitter.com/ KzoLoavesFishes

Staff / Business Office

269/488-2617 Joan Atwell, Call Center Lead Cherise Buchanan, Volunteer Coordinator Paul Bushek, Warehouse Assistant Art Cole, Services Director Joe Cook, Warehouse Assistant Bob Dekker, Warehouse Assistant Joe Galaviz, Warehouse Assistant Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director EXT. 201 209 211 207 211 211 211 212

Dave Hafer, Warehouse Coordinator Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator Marvin King, Warehouse Director Ruth Matteson, Call Center Lead Kevin Minor, Communications Coordinator Sue Raskin, Finance Coordinator Jackie Smith, Call Center Assistant Desi Taylor, Services Assistant Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator Laura Winther, Donor Database Coordinator

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