Capital Area Food Bank of Texas Blog » Nourishing Hungry People and Leading the Community in Ending Hunger Capital Area Food Bank of Texas Blog

Food donations are pouring in. Now, help us get the food out.

January 24th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Look at all these bags!

Souper Bowl of Caring is in full swing, food donations are coming in at a steady pace and Central Texans are purchasing pre-packaged bags of food at their local Randalls, H-E-B and Central Market.

Within the last few weeks, we’ve received nearly 400,000 pounds of food. Our warehouse can only hold so much food, and we’re running out of space to put it all. Now we need your help to get food out the door.

Each tote can be filled with at least 1,000 pounds of food.

As a volunteer, you’ll help inspect, clean, sort, box and make donations ready for distribution to Partner Agencies and their clients. We accept volunteers as young as 8.

Volunteer shifts

Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon
Monday – Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m.
Thursday 6 – 8:30 p.m. (18 and older only)

Volunteer With Your Family

Youth ages 8 to 17 and their families are invited to volunteer on the first Tuesday of the month from 6 – 8 p.m.

Volunteer With Your Workplace

By working together on a community focused project, employees reap the benefits of community involvement, pride and a sense of accomplishment. You may also be able to double or triple your impact with corporate matching gifts. Contact your human resources representative to find out how to turn your volunteer hours into financial gifts to feed hungry Central Texans. To schedule your workplace group to volunteer, contact Emily DeMaria at edemaria[at]austinfoodbank.org.

Hunger can’t wait. Please sign up today.

Watch this video about how you can continue to support Souper Bowl of Caring.

Top Six Myths about Food Stamps

January 19th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

It seems like every few months, there are new myths popping up about food stamps. Here are some newer ones, and why they are myths.

1. Surge in food stamp usage and funding is a direct result of the whims and desires of the executive branch. Historical data shows that food stamp use rises and falls with unemployment and poverty levels. It responds to the economic realities of the time.

Other than American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as the stimulus) which increased the monthly benefit by about 15% through 2013 and relaxed work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, there have not been additional expenditures on food stamps. This legislation required passage by Congress and approval by the president.

2. Food stamp use encourages laziness and entitlement mentality. There is no evidence that points to food stamp usage’s impact on an individual’s work ethic – positive or negative. An individual’s financial status and social mobility is the result of cumulative decisions by many people over time and includes everything from inheritance, public investments, structural and social advantages to societal disadvantages and barriers due to prejudice.

The fact is most Americans are falling behind financially regardless of the amount of work they do, and the United States still must make significant strides to be an “equal opportunity society” that rewards effort equitably. Food stamps continue to be a lifeline for Americans trapped by poverty, reflecting our nation’s morals and values about our right to nourish our families with dignity.

3. It’s too easy to get food stamps. The food stamp program is an entitlement program administered at the state level, which means that the money has already been allocated for qualified individuals and the states determine the eligibility criteria. It’s up to the individual to decide to access those benefits. For entitlement programs to work as they were designed to, i.e. respond to economic circumstances and provide short-term food support, they should be easily accessible. Similar entitlement programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) enjoy very high participation rates in Texas due to State-mandated outreach, a simple one-page application process, and perception that de-stigmatizes the assistance.

4. Most federal low-income spending goes to “overhead” and “bureaucrats”. Federal and state administrative costs for these programs vary from state-to-state, and the percentage costs associated with administrative duties depends on the program. In Texas, food stamp administrative spending is split 50/50 between the state and the federal government. Data shows that 91-99 percent of total federal spending on these programs reaches beneficiaries in the form of benefits or services.

5. Food stamps make people fat. A study entitled the Paradox of Hunger and Obesity in America explains how households at risk of hunger are susceptible to habits that could result in weight gain. This includes:

The need to maximize caloric intake with few dollars.
Managing food quantity and quality
Overeating when food is available.
Physiological changes in how the body compensates for periodic food shortages.

The study further states that “…food allotments should be reduced, on the grounds that nutrition programs contribute to obesity among the poor because they provide too much food, is without scientific merit.” Improved access to food stamps means families have a predictable source of food, which can support better meal planning and healthier choices at home. The result: a healthier society, lower absenteeism at work and school due to illness, and lowered health costs.

6. Voters aren’t in favor federal nutrition programs. Polling data conducted for FRAC by Hart Research Associates released today shows broad bi-partisan support for the food stamp program and the federal government’s role in addressing hunger. In fact, the majority of voters support a major role for the federal government in addressing hunger. Seven in 10 (69%) voters say the federal government should have a major role to ensure that low-income families and children have the food and nutrition they need, including a majority (51%) who express this view strongly. Only a quarter (26%) of voters say the federal government should not have a major role.

The pervasive hunger crisis in America is not because we don’t have enough food. It is a political problem and a socioeconomic problem that can be overcome. Our political leaders have it in their power to end hunger but they must be willing to enact policies that make food security a priority. A well-nourished community is the key to a healthy, prosperous community.

Related Blog Posts:

Do you know SNAP?

Top 10 Myths about SNAP (Food Stamps)

Infographic: Central Texas Leaves Millions of SNAP Benefits on the Table, Billions Lost in Economic Activity

Before even a pound of food goes out, so much is given.

January 18th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Narissa Johnson

by Narissa Johnson, CAFB Volunteer

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) has a remarkable mission. In order to feed hungry people and be a leader in our community in ending hunger, CAFB receives, sorts, and distributes more than 24 million pounds of food every year to other non-profit groups that directly serve public needs. Organizations such as El Buen Samaritano and neighborhood centers receive food from CAFB and provide it to those who are “food insecure”, people who otherwise do not know where they will get their next meal. In order to accomplish this, there is a sophisticated operation that depends on strong volunteer participation from the community.

I spent the morning of MLK National Day of Service with a group of about 30 volunteers who sorted and packed H-E-B Souper Bowl of Caring donations —bags filled with canned goods shoppers purchased for $5. Our motivated group of volunteers sorted through 16,800 pounds of food in three hours, which passes quickly. But this is only 24% of the almost 70,000 pounds of food CAFB will distribute on an average day. I had trouble wrapping my head around how much 70,000 pounds was… it is about the same weight as a Boeing 737, or a Southwest Airlines plane!

I have worked at two CAFB partner non-profit organizations that distributed food directly to those in need. I have met the people who bring boxes and bags to accept the food with mixed feelings of relief, embarrassment, hesitation, and gratitude. I am glad to have seen and participated directly with CAFB operations; I have enormous respect for the massive scale of the work they do in the community. I have been lucky enough see the impact CAFB has on the community… but to truly appreciate the organization, I needed to see how much they do for the community before they ever distribute one pound of food. I encourage you to get your officemates, kickball team, or family to volunteer at CAFB for a rewarding experience that truly impacts the lives of Central Texas families.

CharityBash Masquerade Ball Puts the Phun and Phancy in Philanthropy

January 13th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

CharityBash Masquerade Ball

Austin-based non-profit Citizen Generation, really knows how to throw a party. Their legendary social events have been covered by Austin360’s A-list and Out & About, Tribeza, and other media outlets. Through their CharityBash events, 80-100% of the proceeds benefit a local-nonprofit.

This year’s CharityBash theme is Winter Wonderland and the proceeds from this event benefit the Food Bank. Early bird pricing is over, but tickets are still available for $80 each or $150 per couple which includes open bar, food and entertainment at the Mansion.

So, bring your fancy mask, your favorite black tie attire and your wallet to bid on some great auction items. It will be a night to remember. Purchase tickets online.

2nd annual CharityBash benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
Saturday, February 18 at 8 p.m. – midnight
The Mansion
2312 San Gabriel
Austin, TX

VIP Bottle service packages available at info@CitizenGeneration.org

Youth Aim to Raise 1 Million Meals with Souper Bowl of Caring

January 12th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Join a youth-led movement that turns Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest mobilization of hunger fighters.

From January 12 through February 5, you’ll see lots of opportunities around town to help tackle hunger. Your donations stay local and benefit the Capital Area Food Bank and area food pantries. This year, we’ve made it even easier for you and your family to get involved.

Donate at a store: Pre-packed bags of food are available for purchase at your local H-E-B, Central Market and Randalls. You can also donate using the tear-off pads at the register.

Donate at your door: Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from the Capitol Area Council will come door-to-door to pick up healthy, non-perishable food donations on Saturday, January 28. Look for a flyer in your mail this coming Saturday.

Organize a drive with your place of worship, school, or community group: Register your group with Souper Bowl of Caring, and you’ll receive free resource materials to help make your drive a success. We realize you have a choice when selecting a hunger-relief charity as the beneficiary of your collection. Thank you for choosing CAFB. Your gift will help us nourish the more than 48,000 hungry Central Texans relying on our services each week. Get started.

Donate at the Scout Parade: Join the Capitol Area Council Scouts on February 4 for the 102nd anniversary celebration of the Scouting movement at the 63rd annual Scout Parade and Report to the State of Texas. Scouts from all over Texas will march up Congress Avenue to the Capitol. In support of the Scouting for Food Drive and the Souper Bowl of Caring, you can drop off non-perishable food items at the Capital Area Food Bank truck on 2^nd Street and Congress Avenue.

Volunteer: Last year, about 275 tons – the equivalent weight of 200 Mini Cooper Convertibles – in food donations from Souper Bowl of Caring needed to be inspected, sorted and sent to our Partner Agencies. With our goal of 1 million meals, we’ll need your help to get the food out into the community quickly. Sign up to volunteer.

Watch this video to learn more about how the Scouts plan to help.

We couldn’t meet our goal to raise 1 million meals without the support of our partners.

Thank you: H-E-B, Central Market, Randalls, FOX 7; KEYE-TV; KVUE-TV; KXAN Austin News; Telefutura; Telemundo; Univision-KAKW 62; The CW Austin; My Austin TV; YNN; KVET; KASE 101; AM 1300 The Zone; La Que Buena 104.3; La Jefa 107.7; 107.1 La Z; the Austin American-Statesman; The Jewish Outlook, CultureMap Austin and the Capitol Area Council Boy Scouts.

Infographic: Hunger in Central Texas map shows one solution doesn’t fit all.

January 11th, 2012 § 0 comments § permalink

Central Texas County Map Infographic

Thanks to recent investments in hunger research by the Texas Food Bank Network, Baylor University’s Texas Hunger Initiative and Feeding America, we now have broader, more nuanced understanding of hunger in America. For food banks on the front lines, this data reinforces what we experience every day of the year – hunger is a pervasive problem with unique geographic and societal challenges. The tools we use to address hunger in a large and growing city like Austin may not be appropriate for the small rural town of Lometa.

New on HungerIsUnacceptable.com, is the updated County Map infographic which includes the latest data from the Map the Meal Gap, Hunger by the Numbers: A Blueprint For Ending Hunger in Texas, and the U.S. Census. Simply click on each county to view more information about hunger in the area. PDF versions of the county data is available for download.

Our ability to make an impact in Central Texas communities relies greatly on local support. We could not do what we do without the support and expertise of our 300 Partner Agencies who respond to the special needs and challenges facing their communities.

Hunger causes many hardships including poor physical and mental health, reduced academic achievement. For children, these effects are particularly devastating and could have long-term consequences as mentioned in this TIME Magazine article.

Our tolerance for hunger has a long history in America. Today, we are all paying the price for not making ending hunger a priority. That cost in 2010: $167.5 billion which doesn’t include the cost of federal nutrition programs. That comes out to about $542 per person or $1,410 per household. In these economic times, we can’t afford hunger. Morally, we shouldn’t allow hunger to exist.

An investment in ending hunger is an investment in the future prosperity of our youth and our community.

Please join us in the fight, and share this infographic today.

Update: Documentary Film on Senior Hunger

January 10th, 2012 § 1 comment § permalink

Last October, we blogged about the film Leftovers which explores senior hunger in America. We recently got an update from the filmmaker Seth Hancock who let us know that the film is in the final stages of production and will be available soon. In the meantime, we wanted to share some video clips he shot during his time in Texas.

President & CEO, Hank Perret explains the warehouse.

Seth gets inspiration from the CAFB Teaching Garden.

Senior hunger in Lometa, TX.

Food stamp vs. gun application Texas.

You can learn more by visiting the film website at http://www.leftoversmovie.com. We’ll be sure to let you know when this film is available.

Turn Hungry Holidays into Happy Holidays for Vanyshia and Janancy

December 29th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink

Janancy and Vanyshia

Throughout the holiday season, we’ll feature families supported and nourished by your gifts. A special thank you goes to Vanyshia and Janancy who agreed to share her personal story with us. If you would like to help her family and others like her, please consider making a financial gift online.

Vanysha and Janancy are both 11 years old and became good friends when they met at the Boys and Girls Club at Bedicheck Middle School. “Boys and Girls Club saved my life because I met Vanysha,” says Janancy.

Janancy shared that even with her stepdad out of work right now, her family has enough to eat. However, Vanyshia’s family struggles to put food on the table and it makes her feel sad.

Vanyshia, who lives with her grandmother, brother and sister, says that sometimes she is not able to eat at home after Kids Cafe. “My Grandmother, she doesn’t get any food stamps anymore. The office wouldn’t give her more. So we have to go to my Mom’s house and use her card. We can’t have any milk or stuff like that. We can get canned food because it doesn’t cost as much.”

At the end of the month, Vanyshia says there are times when no one in her house is able to eat. “Sometimes at the end of the month…sometimes I don’t eat. One night my Grandmother cooked, but I didn’t eat the next night,” says Vanyshia.

Vanyshia tells about the sacrifices her Grandmother makes so that she and her siblings can eat. “Sometimes my Grandma can’t even eat because she has to feed me and my brother and sister. Sometimes I don’t eat as much as I want to because I leave some for my Grandma because I don’t want her to sit there and starve. Sometimes she doesn’t have enough money to buy food, so she has to go to the bank and borrow money. It makes me feel sad. I don’t want her to be hungry. I just feel sad sometimes,” says Vanyshia.

Your financial gift makes it possible for children to not feel guilty about eating enough food so that other family members can eat. Help turn hungry holidays into happy holidays by sharing this story and making a gift today.

Hungry For A Job

December 27th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink

An abbreviated version of this story appeared in the Austin American-Statesman.

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the entity that officially measures economic cycles, the “Great Recession” ended in June 2009, although you’d never guess that the U.S. economy is supposed to be on the upswing, as many folks are still feeling the pain with poverty and hunger at record levels.

Case in point; the U.S. Labor Department just reported that the current average duration of unemployment at 40 weeks, is the longest in more than 60 years. And while Texas’ unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent in November 2011, it is still almost double the 4.4 percent in December 2007 when the recession began.

Here at the Capital Area Food Bank, we deal with the effects of harsh economic cycles and unemployment daily. In fact the recent U.S. Conference of Mayors 2011 Status Report on Hunger & Homelessness found that unemployment led the list of causes of hunger cited by the survey cities, followed by poverty, low wages and high housing costs.

The impact on our food bank has been dramatic. Since the recession started, we are now distributing 50 percent more food to the growing ranks of the hungry in our 21-county service territory. To put that into perspective, we distribute the equivalent in food of the weight of a Boeing 737 airplane every day, 365 days of the year.

Hunger doesn’t discriminate. We serve children, seniors, the working poor, and the unemployed. Food bank clients cross every race, color, education level, and increasingly the middle class. None of these folks want to wait in a long line to receive food. However, they have little choice.

I track a lot of policy issues in my job—from our food bank’s primary concerns of hunger and food insecurity to corresponding issues such as housing, health care, and unemployment. All of those issues affect the demand for emergency food assistance.

The recent showdown over extending federal unemployment benefits—those benefits triggered when an unemployed worker has exhausted their state unemployment benefits-highlighted the fact that more than 100,000 unemployed Texans faced losing their unemployment insurance assistance at the end of the year.

The unemployment benefits extension does delay some suffering. However, without an ongoing commitment from our congressional leaders to act on behalf of the unemployed, more of our friends and neighbors will struggle to put food on their tables and we expect the food lines to get even longer.

Texas has more workers than jobs, and the current rate of job creation is not sufficient to make a dent in the economic downturn and speed up the recovery. In November, Texas had 997,162 (8.1%) unemployed workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but only added 20,800 new jobs that month. At this rate, it will take four years to get unemployed Texans back to work.

Until we turn this job shortfall around, unemployment insurance is a critical protection against hunger and poverty. Without it, it is likely many more Americans will not be able to feed themselves or their families. They will go hungry and that should be a national disgrace, because hunger is unacceptable.

Turn Hungry Holidays into Happy Holidays for Janice’s Family

December 26th, 2011 § 0 comments § permalink

Throughout the holiday season, we’ll feature families supported and nourished by your gifts. A special thank you goes to Janice who agreed to share her personal story with us. If you would like to help her family and others like her, please consider making a financial gift online.

“Visiting food pantries is new to me,” explains Janice, age 64. “Before moving to Texas my income was a little better, but I moved to be my father’s caregiver.” Janice heard about the “Wheels of Sharing” Mobile Food Pantry at Turner Roberts Recreation Center from several neighbors.

Janice, a retired insurance underwriter lives on her “modest” retirement savings. “The food I receive here helps supplement my food stamp supply for the month,” she says. “The food here is extremely important to me. I don’t have any health coverage, so I try to eat healthy—the food I receive here is very healthy,” says Janice. “I usually get staple items such as onions, potatoes, pasta and meat.”

“In the past I was one of these volunteers, and now I am on the other side of the spectrum,” explains Janice. “These food pantries are very important because there are so many people in need during these hard economic times. There is quite a diversity of people here; lots of senior citizens and single mothers.”

Janice encourages everyone who needs help to visit a food pantry. “The atmosphere is always friendly. No one here is ever irritated and they don’t treat me any different because of my situation,” says Janice. “ I always feel comfortable. No one should ever feel ashamed of coming here. If you need help, just come.”

Your financial gift makes it possible to for Central Texans to not have to choose between caring for family members and having enough to eat. Help turn hungry holidays into happy holidays by sharing this story and making a gift today.