Food insecurity and hunger are a national problem.  Check out this article about the economy: http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090416/us_time/08599189152700

Our first newsletter is available for download here: Food Pantry Newsletter Spring 2009

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As families gather to celebrate Passover, many cannot afford Kosher food due to the economic downturn.  Read more here: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2009/04/08/2009-04-08_hardpressed_at_passover_more_families_tu-2.html

Give the gift of food today: Click on our DONATE button!

Here is a very informative article about the need for food throughout the country and a great way some people are giving: http://blog.oregonlive.com/classicalmusic/2009/03/oregon_symphony_musicians_hope.html

Here is a great article about a recent, large food donation to the San Francisco Food Bank:

 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/11/MNBT16CRD2.DTL

This past Friday we had an abundance of fresh produce–everything from giant, ripe tomatoes to huge Granny Smith apples.  We also provided folks with fresh bread, brown rice, beans and popcorn and cookies for treats.

On Thursday, March 5th come join us for dinner from 6pm on at Mission Street Food (see www.missionstreetfood.com).  Our own Sara Miles will be cooking dinner with local produce–including just picked Myer lemons from Potrero Hill and Mission backyards,  fresh herbs and all kinds of local goodies! All proceeds go directly to the Food Pantry.  So gather some friends, bring your appetites and cash, and come have a fun San Francisco night!

This past Friday we served 600 people lots of fresh produce, including potatoes, pears, oranges and apples.  We also provided folks with cottage cheese, bacon, brown rice and cookies.  Be a part of our efforts; click on our DONATE button.  Every dollar directly translates to food for those in need.

As we’ve reported before, we are sponsoring a healthy snack program for children in conjunction with the San Francisco Food Bank.  Here is a detailed update of the program:

On January 13, 2009 the Morning Snack Program pilot program was launched at 3 participating schools: Bret Harte Elementary School , Daniel Webster Elementary School and Sheridan Elementary School.  Each school received their snack distribution with their weekly Healthy Children Pantry delivery, receiving 5 days worth of snack items. The first snack distribution consisted of oranges, pretzels, juice or handi-snacks (cheese and crackers), providing each student with 1-2 items per day. Other snack distributions since then have included Kashi bars, milk and apples.

Each school is in the process of developing their “in-class” snack distribution model that works best for them. For example, Sheridan ES served their snack communally, offering the food on tables outside the classroom. The principal at Bret Harte Elementary School is labeling file boxes and brings the snacks to each classroom for the week. Also, at Bret Harte, the oranges are cut up by the principal, packaged in Ziplock bags and stored in a refrigerator so that teachers can have snacks handy for the classroom at the appropriate time. Daniel Webster Elementary School has a parent volunteer who helps distribute the snacks at an early recess, handing the snacks to each child individually.

Teachers and the school principals are reporting to us that the kids love the fresh fruit. Particularly, the older kids (grades 1 through 5) are very appreciative of the food because, for many kids prior to the snack distributions, they were hungry by mid-morning from not getting a good breakfast or not having access to a healthy breakfast. So far, teachers and principals have been nothing less than exuberant about the quality and choices of the snack items.

We’re looking forward to working with the Food Bank to expand this great and much needed program.

This past Friday The Pantry served 616 people–everything from pears, endive, apples and potatoes to treats of cookies and popcorn.  To be a part of our efforts, click on the DONATE button, and make a huge impact in a person’s life.