Johns Hopkins Health Plans’ Post

People ask me why I have supported our local food pantry, and this exact story tells my "why". As a parent who recently had a child in college, I can't imagine how hard it must be for kiddos trying to work/learn/ and struggle with food insecurity. Please! Read this article below from Matthew's Crossing Food Bank and if you have any non perishable food items, can you please drop them off at our office so we can get them to the food pantry! Watch the video below of kids at ASU who use this service and see how Matthews Crossing goes to ASU and see the students use the service. DID YOU KNOW.... 26% of ASU students don’t have enough food. You can’t excel or innovate on an empty stomach, when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from. Food insecurity in colleges is a national epidemic with over 30% of students experiencing it. Food insecurity is defined by the US Department of Agriculture as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. The overall increase in food insecurity has jumped appreciably since the pandemic AND continues to grow. Last year, the Pitchfork Panty and Matthew's Crossing served an average 300 students at each mobile distribution. Last weekend's distribution, 450 students were served. Combinations of food insecurity and the stress of college contribute to lower GPA scores, lower ability to excel in class and lower attendance and completion rates. Students who do not have appropriate access to food are more likely to report stress and depression. ASU, with the help from Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, has a student lead food pantry to support students with the food they need for a successful college experience. In addition to Pitchfork Pantry, Matthews Crossing supports ASU students with Mobile Distribution and Weekend Backpack programs. https://lnkd.in/gUW7ckT6 For more information on Pitchfork Pantry and the role Matthews Crossing plays in feeding students please take a look at the video above. You can be a part of making students more successful and less stressed about hunger by donating to Matthew’s Crossing. #ASU #MatthewsFoodPantry #AmericanFamily #Donations

Doing so much for so many who need it so much.

We have a story in the latest issue of Neighbourhood Media detailing all the work we do via Addison Road Food Pantry Camperdown, our low-cost grocery store which makes use of rescued, donated and purchased food to support the local community and its needs. The story (link below) shows how we help feed people from Mission Australia's Common Ground housing project and the nearby Johanna O’Dea Court, a multi-storey NSW Family and Community Services apartment block. It also explains how we serve people living on a tight budget in Camperdown and Glebe, as well as people who come to the pantry from right across the City of Sydney LGA. Most of all, the story is a celebration of our monthly Addi Road 'Let's Get Cooking' sessions (AKA "the Cook-Up"), which offers 260 free hot meals for Mission Australia and Joanna O'Dea residents, as well as those shopping at our Addi Road Food Pantry Camperdown. These sessions involve a monthly cooking demo inside the Common Ground building. Food literacy is the ultimate goal behind Addi Road's Let's Get Cooking program. As well as simply providing a free hot meal (and dessert) each month, we look at helping people to shop AND cook with often very limited funds. Each month there are easy recipes on offer (and ready to be tasted) along extra tips for stocking people's kitchen cupboards; a list of essentials to facilitate simple, inexpensive and nutritious recipes that will match whatever Addi Road Food Pantry might have in stock. It's about building an integrated food ecology for people battling. With a few extra special ingredients over a shared meal as the community comes together: camaraderie and connection. + #Addiroad #cityofsydney #foodrelief #foodjustice #housing #inequality #Camperdown #Glebe #MissionAustralia #homeless #battling #costofliving #poverty #resilience #mentalhealth #wellbeing #nutrition #diet #charity #community #freemeals #cookingworkshop #volunteers #caring #education #connection #letsgetcooking #neighbourhoodmedia https://lnkd.in/gs7vVEvM

Goodr and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens have partnered to open a free grocery store in Fulton County to address food insecurity among elderly residents and low-income communities in a food desert. Located at the William Walker Recreation Center, the store provides essential groceries to families and seniors struggling with rising food costs. This initiative builds on Goodr's ongoing efforts, including partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools and nationwide programs to combat hunger. https://lnkd.in/gdWJuZ4z

Did you know that one in five children in the U.S. experience food insecurity? For kids that rely on free or reduced-priced meals at school, summer can mean a lack of access to nutritious food. That’s why we’ve joined Albertsons Companies Foundation’s first-of-its-kind coalition of foodbanks, school districts, community organizations, and other partners across the country to help tackle hunger. Check if your household qualifies for $120 for groceries per eligible child through USDA’s new, permanent Summer EBT program at SummerEBT.org

The holidays are a time to reflect on the impact of purpose. Pigott's Core Values inspire gratitude, innovation, and meaningful connections all year round. Read more about Pigott's Season of Purpose at the link below. https://hubs.li/Q0304_gB0

Goodr and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens have partnered to open a free grocery store in Fulton County to address food insecurity among elderly residents and low-income communities in a food desert. Located at the William Walker Recreation Center, the store provides essential groceries to families and seniors struggling with rising food costs. This initiative builds on Goodr's ongoing efforts, including partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools and nationwide programs to combat hunger. https://lnkd.in/gdWJuZ4z

I stand in the que of a unique and vibrant local food service store and look around, soon to be lost to the community, it feels different, something has changed in the past few weeks since my arrival in what was a small rural Otago town, now bustling with growth, imminent closure looms,  I ask if there is any not “not” closing and the woman at the counter gave an emotional response, all hope is lost, nothing more to do, 10th January she says, the CEO has been, we talk some more, the guy in South Africa likely doesn’t even know, I notice the sad little donation pig, written in black marker “Staff End of Med Market Party”. I am curious, hidden behind the veneer of the “Mediterranean Market” is a global corporation, its website talks about vison and values, of corporate strategy, of its customers on a global scale, of acquisitions and its people. If I would have it a guess, I would say the lease is up, much waxing and waning, this store simply does not fit, no room for growth year on year, not our core business, on a global scale, not significant, only 30 people after all, they have been consulted. A step too far, a legacy acquisition in 2006, our customer is not the customers customer, we are a wholesaler, you can apply online. What if this store didn’t have to fit, what if it simply had to pay its way, what if your people could experience your valued customers customers, what if they could be immersed in the end to end value chain, what if managers and valued staff from around the globe came to this place, what if the store actively engaged and shared culinary experiences, what if this place became a centre of excellence, a corporate destination, what if you dabbled on the fringes of the corporate box, the place where magic happens, what if I followed up on my promise to email the CEO, what if not “not in a position to change our proposal” became a conversation, a revelation of an opportunity lost. Full disclosure I have no vested interest, I spent $34 in store, four items were 50% off, I am savvy enough to know the difference between best before and expired, been back again today for bagels, the little donation pig looks back at me, these things are complex, new to town and soon to be looking for a new bagel shop, perhaps in the prime consented development opportunity down the road where consumers live. #bidfood #bidcorpgroup https://lnkd.in/ggXaMEam

Farmer Markets ++ Farmers markets serve as social hubs where people can gather, fostering relationships between farmers, consumers, and local businesses.  Creating a successful farmers market involves careful planning, community engagement, and ongoing management. Steps for Implementation: *Identify potential funding sources such as grants, sponsorships, or partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. * Select a central, accessible location with high foot traffic, ample parking, and adequate space for vendors and customers. Consider public spaces such as parks, community centers, or town squares. * Navigate local regulations related to food safety, permits, zoning, and health codes. Collaborate with health departments to ensure compliance. * Choose a consistent day and time for the market that aligns with community needs and seasonal availability of products. Consider whether to have a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. *Develop a marketing strategy to promote the market through social media, local newspapers, flyers, and community boards. Highlight the benefits of shopping local. * Incorporate live music, cooking demonstrations, or children’s activities to make the market a social destination. Provide adequate seating, shade, and rest areas for customers.

Did you know that one in five children in the U.S. experience food insecurity? For kids that rely on free or reduced-priced meals at school, summer can mean a lack of access to nutritious food. That’s why we’ve joined the Albertsons Companies Foundation in a groundbreaking coalition to tackle summer hunger through the USDA’s new Summer EBT program. Partnering with @FeedingAmerica, @FRACtweets, @GiftCardBank, @HungerFreeUSA, @mRelief_form, @nokidhungry, and @PHAnews we’re reaching over 200 foodbanks, 300 school districts, and 1,500 organizations. Eligible families can get $120 per child for groceries. Check if you qualify at SummerEBT.org.