AAFB Food Lines Newsletter - Spring 2014

NonProfit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, AZ

Permit No. 1289

Food Lines is a quarterly publication of the

Association of Arizona Food Banks2100 N. Central Avenue, Suite 230

Phoenix, AZ 85004-1400

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Food Lines

AAFB Leads Advocates in D.C.: AAFB’s Angie Rodgers (3rd from left) led a delegation to D.C.

to talk hunger and poverty with Rep. David Schweikert (far right) and other AZ elected officials.

www.azfoodbanks.org | /azfoodbanks | /aafb

• At Last, a Farm Bill is Passed; Advocacy in Bloom in Arizona and D.C.• AAFB Welcomes New Board Members & Member Food Bank CEOs• AZ Statewide Gleaning Project Update; Remembering Kathy McNelly

a quarterly publication of the Association of Arizona Food Banks

Spring 2014 | Vol. 30 | No. 3

New Farm Bill’s Impact on SNAP (Food Stamps): A new Farm Bill has finally been passed. How are SNAP recipients in Arizona going to be affected? We’ve got all the Farm Bill / SNAP details inside.

Insi

de:

Dear Friends,

As I sit down to write my first letter of 2014, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to our donors who gave so graciously throughout the holidays. Your generosity at a time when so many still struggle with hunger is critical. Also, thank you for allowing me the privilege of speaking on behalf of those who struggle with hunger. Your trust in me is invaluable.

One such story I want to share with you is that of Austin, a 9 year old from Tacna, Arizona. I met him on a recent trip to the Yuma Community Food Bank, where he spoke about what he liked most about the food bank. Austin stood up in front a large crowd in his extra-large cowboy hat and explained, “Well, its complicated you see. If my mom can get enough money together to put gas in the car to make it to the food bank, we can get milk. I like the milk the best. Without the food bank, we don’t have any.” As a mother, it breaks my heart. As an advocate, I am outraged that at age 9, Austin already sees his life as “complicated.” We can—and should—do better by Austin and all of Arizona’s children.

I recently attended the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington D.C. with more than 800 advocates from across the country focused on sustaining local agriculture and supporting nutrition programs. It was an amazing experience to hear the successes of feeding hungry people from food banks, schools, soup kitchens and agriculture. I had the opportunity to meet with our elected officials to talk about the needs in Arizona—including Austin’s story, as well as the resources food banks have to help, and the policies that need to be in place to help us do more. I know these conversations can help us do more to end hunger in Arizona.

Across the country, more and more often I hear about individuals and organizations looking at and implementing creative ways to do just that—end hunger. Partners are looking to feed more children in schools through free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs. Others are researching how hunger is tied to poor health outcomes and what we can be doing to help health care organizations do more about food insecurity. Some advocates are focused on policy work to keep SNAP (Food Stamps) healthy. And we at AAFB are looking to do all of those things!

As I mentioned in my previous Food Lines letter, AAFB is beginning its strategic planning process. By the time you read this, we will have interviewed staff members and talked with our member food banks and Board of Directors about the health and wealth of AAFB. We will have hosted a “forward” (not a retreat!) to develop a plan on how to tackle hunger in Arizona. I’m looking forward to sharing these outcomes with you soon and welcome your thoughts regarding our continuing work to alleviate the unacceptable condition of hunger.

Respectfully,

Angie Rodgers, President & CEO

P.S. Please remember that hunger has no season. I hope we can continue to count on your help throughout 2014.

Advocacy Matters AAFB Makes DC Congressional Visits, Attends National Anti-Hunger

Policy Conference, Keeps Eye on Arizona Legislative SessionBraving the cold, AAFB president and CEO Angie Rodgers led an Arizona contingent to Washington DC to make Congressional visits with each Arizona Senator and Representative. The message was clear: Keep SNAP (Food Stamps) healthy! They also talked about the sustained high demand at food banks and thanked them for additional TEFAP commodity funding in the recently passed Farm Bill. Increased TEFAP storage and distribution needs were brought up too, as was 2015 Child Nutrition Reauthorization. The group, comprised of officials from each of our member food banks, Arizona Community Action Association and the Valley of the Sun United Way also attended the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, which is organized and hosted each year by Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and Feeding America. The conference draws advocates, government officials, food bank representatives, and nutrition and anti-obesity groups from all around the country for three days of training, networking and advocacy.

From the President’s DeskAngie Rodgers, AAFB President & CEO

Meanwhile, back in Arizona, AAFB continued to keep an eye on the Arizona legislative session. Amongst the controversy and concerns over Child Protective Services and SB 1062, there are several issues of interest to anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates. Here are our legislative priorities:

Protect the coordinated hunger line item in the DES budget: These state and federal funds directly support food bank operations and AAFB’s coordination and gleaning programs. These funds are critical to administering federal commodity programs, individual food bank operations and ensuring distribution of food among food banks.

Eliminate finger imaging for SNAP and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): Arizona remains the last state in the country to impose this requirement. DES uses more than 20 other methods to check for duplicate enrollment in the program and these checks are not only less costly, but more effective. Arizona could save nearly half a million dollars in general fund expenses and nearly $2 million in administrative costs at DES if this provision was eliminated. These funds could be better used to fund nutrition programs for hungry families.

Support DES budget request of $4.6 million for approximately 200 additional eligibility workers to process TANF, SNAP and Medicaid applications: Due to the recession and increased demand, food banks struggle to meet the needs of hungry families. We encourage SNAP participation to provide a regular source of nutrition support. When application processing is delayed or inaccurate, it puts additional strain on food banks to meet the need. Increased eligibility workers help address this while improving the timeliness and accuracy when processing applications.

Promote expansion of the working poor tax credit with increased thresholds for giving to qualified food banks: With increased demand, cuts to SNAP and unemployment insurance, and an unemployment rate around 8%, food banks continue to struggle. The working poor tax credit allows donors to claim a credit on their taxes when making charitable contributions. This expansion (SB 1302) would increase the limits to $400 (single filer) and $800 (married filing joint) for donations made to qualified food banks. At publication time, SB 1302 had passed COW in the Senate.

AAFB Quick Takes

Order Your Hunger Relief License Plate TodayMore than 1,500 have been ordered - do you have yours? The official Arizona Hunger Relief specialty license plate can be ordered at www.servicearizona.com or by visiting any MVD or Authorized Third Party office. They look awesome and are a great way to promote the hunger cause - $17 of the $25 fee benefits AAFB and our member food banks that collectively serve all 15 Arizona counties. Keep in mind specialty license plate fees are not pro-rated, therefore your new Hunger Relief license plate will renew on your next scheduled vehicle registration renewal date.

Five Named to AAFB Board, Including New CEOs of Community Food Bank of So. AZ, Desert Mission

and United Food Bank

In January, AAFB welcomed five new members to our board of directors, including three new member food bank chief executives:

In December, Michael McDonald was named the new CEO of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Previously, McDonald served as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tucson for nearly a decade. With a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, McDonald also served in various leadership positions at several other regional nonprofits, as well as at a start-up global manufacturing company. An active community volunteer, McDonald serves on a variety of nonprofit boards and government commissions, and teaches a nonprofit management class at the University of Arizona.

Sue Sadecki is the new executive director of Desert Mission and Community Services for the John C. Lincoln Health Network, an affiliate of Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network. In this role she oversees all of Desert Mission’s programs, not just the Desert Mission Food Bank. Prior to joining John C. Lincoln, Sadecki served in a variety of high level healthcare management, development and consulting roles with Arizona Integrated Physicians, Tenzing Health, Banner Health, United Healthcare and others. Sadecki holds a B.A. and MS Ed. from the University of Kansas.

In November, Lisa J. Pino was named president and CEO of United Food Bank. Previously, Pino was appointed by President Obama and USDA Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as deputy administrator of the SNAP (Food Stamp) program and later served the USDA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights as deputy assistant secretary. Prior to that, Pino was director of public affairs for HITN-TV in New York, staff attorney for Community Legal Services Farmworker Unit of Arizona and director of public affairs for IIA College in Arizona. A New York native, she received her B.A., M.A., and J.D. at Arizona State University, and is a member of the Arizona Bar.

Veronica Bossack is a former leader of the Family Assistance and Child Welfare Programs at the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Bossack is an experienced public human service leader who had the unique experience of working every position in the field. She oversaw many process improvement efforts that impacted the lives of the most vulnerable children and families. Bossack retired from state government in 2013 after dedicating 36 years of service.

A Daughter of Charity since 2002, Sr. Margaret L. Brown serves as president & CEO of Life Sharing Center, Inc. and executive director for the St. Jude Food Bank in Tuba City, AZ. Prior to entering the Daughters of Charity, Sr. Brown had 35 years’ experience in communications, sales, finance and economic development. Her previous employers included Wells Fargo & Company, The Capital Group and the LA County Economic Development Corp.. Sr. Brown holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Management from Jacksonville University.

Support AAFB at Farmer in the House Dinners

Once again, pioneering seasonal organic specialty produce farmer Pat Duncan of Duncan’ s Trading Co. is graciously supporting AAFB with his Farmer in the House series this Spring. Exotic fruits and vegetables from his local, organic farm are highlighted during several dinner events prepared by innovative local chefs at a variety of Valley restaurants from late March through May. The complete schedule and more details can be found at: http://duncanstradingco.com/dinner.php.

Help Promote the Summer Food Service Program

Help feed kids this summer by helping promote the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in your community! SFSP provides meals to low-income children during the summer when they cannot rely on regular school meals. Arizona ranks poorly in SFSP participation, but you can help change that! Get more information by visiting www.azsummerfood.gov. Lists of site locations statewide will be posted on their website as the summer draws closer.

Gardeners: Spring Means It’s Time to Plant-A-Row

Are you one of the over 70 million Americans who plants a garden each year? If so, consider participating in Plant a Row this year! It’s simple: when you plant your garden, plant an extra row of vegetables and donate the additional harvest to your local food bank. Visit www.gardenwriters.org for more information.

Michael McDonald

Lisa J. Pino

Sr. Margaret L. Brown

Veronica Bossack

Farm Bill Signed into Law with $8.6 Billion in SNAP (Food Stamp) Cuts

Even though Arizona isn’t affected by this SNAP cut, we remain extremely concerned about it. How can we - food banks, government, business, society - address the poverty facing nearly 20% of Arizonans if we continue to undermine programs intended to support them? This is yet another in a series of SNAP cuts that chip away at its fundamental purpose - to feed hungry children, families and seniors. In November, SNAP was cut when a $5 billion stimulus boost designed to help families during the recession was eliminated, and this did affect Arizona SNAP recipients. Our food banks saw increases in demand as a result. When is SNAP going to be safe from further cuts?

SNAP benefit amounts are low - individuals are expected to feed themselves on an average benefit of $116 per month in Arizona. Recipients have to jump through hoops to get help: Arizona is the last state in the country to require recipients to be finger imaged to receive benefits. All other states have removed such a policy because it is redundant and costly, and modern technology already in place does a better job of verifying identity.

SNAP works - it is credited with reducing poverty and food insecurity. Nearly half of SNAP recipients are children and another 20% are elderly or disabled. Many families work while on SNAP and it typically boosts their wages 10% or more, critical during a time of high unemployment and stagnant wages. The economy benefits as well: every $1 of SNAP spent generates approximtely $1.70 in economic activity in the local community.

Moving away from SNAP, one bright spot included in the Farm Bill is a slight increase in TEFAP funding, a program which provides food banks with commodity food for distribution. The $205 million increase will be frontloaded to provide greater resources in the initial few years of the bill since the need remains high during the recession.

Strengthen Your Connection with AAFB Today!One of the best ways you can help fight hunger is by strengthening your connection with AAFB! An easy and effective way to do this is by sharing your email address with us so we can keep you

informed on the latest from the world of food banking in our bi-weekly email newsletter, and ensure your voice is heard as a part of our Advocacy Team emails.

Email [email protected] today to strengthen your connection with AAFB!

AAFB’s Food Bank Conference is May 23Advocates and hunger fighters come together! Mark your calendars and make plans to attend:

Fighting Hunger Together: The 2014 Arizona Food Bank ConferenceFriday, May 23, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

at St. Patrick Catholic Community (84th Street north of Shea Blvd, just west of the 101 Freeway in Scottsdale, AZ)Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided - No Registration Fee

RSVP to Brian Simpson at 602-528-3434 or [email protected]

The conference is a must for food banks and emergency food providers, anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates and organizations, the faith community, and more. Get the latest information, be motivated and inspired by the efforts to

serve those struggling with hunger! Get more information at www.azfoodbanks.org/index.php/conference.

Summary of Major Farm Bill Provisions Affecting Hunger in Arizona• Cuts $8.6 billion over 10 years through a reduction in the “Heat and Eat” provision. This allowance provided a

household deduction for heating and cooling expenses when determining SNAP eligibility. Arizona did not use this provision so Arizona households will not be impacted by this cut.

• Continues the stimulus benefit cut implemented in November 2013. Arizona households saw an average decrease in benefits of $20 per case or $8 per person.

• Contains a $205 million increase in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) over 10 years. These funds provide healthy and nutritious food to food banks - nearly 20% of the food that flows through Arizona food banks.

• Transitions the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CFSP) to a seniors-only program. Right now in Arizona, nearly 94% of recipients are seniors.

• Codifies many SNAP outreach provisions already in place at USDA, including limits on cooperative agreements with foreign governments, prohibiting the use of federal dollars for TV, radio or billboard advertisements, prohibiting reimbursement to outreach workers on a per applicant basis, and prohibiting recruitment of individuals onto SNAP.

• Creates a new dairy donation program that allows USDA to purchase dairy items for low income groups when certain price margins are at extremely low levels.

• Allows for SNAP home delivery for seniors and the disabled.

• Creates $100 million in SNAP incentive grants to encourage produce purchase.

After years of negotiations, Congress finally passed a new 5-year Farm Bill (Agriculture Act of 2014 - PL 113-79) and it was signed into law by President Obama on February 7. Unfortunately, the final bill contains $8.6 billion in cuts to SNAP (Food Stamps) over ten years, although none of those cuts will affect recipients in Arizona. Why is that?

The cuts apply strictly to the “heat and eat” program in sixteen states that participate - Arizona is not one of them. The program worked like this: If a low-income household received heating or cooling assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), even nominal amounts as little as $1 a year, they were automatically qualified to receive increased SNAP benefits. The new Farm Bill requires households to receive at least $20 of LIHEAP assistance to receive a SNAP boost.

ARIZONA STATEWIDEGLEANING PROJECTPHOENIX, AZA PROGRAM OF THE

The Latest on the Arizona Statewide Gleaning Project

Let Your Employer Work for You: Employer Matching Gifts

Did you know you may be able to double your gift to AAFB through Matching Gift Programs? Many employers offer to match your gift as a way to encourage their employees, and often their retirees, to support charitable organizations. While many of our donors access this opportunity, many may not realize this potential. Ask your human resources office if your company offers a Matching Gift Program today.

Receive a TAX CREDIT For Your 2014 DonationYou Do NOT Have to Itemize!

You can receive a tax credit for your 2014 donation! Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 43-1088(G)(2), AAFB is recognized as serving the working poor. If you qualify, you could receive a FULL TAX CREDIT, up to $200 (filing as a single unmarried head of household) or $400 (married filing joint return) for donating to AAFB. Donations must be received by December 31, 2014. See www.azdor.gov for more details, or call 602-255-3381 or 1-800-843-7196 from area codes 520 or 928. Always consult your tax preparer or financial advisor for specific advice.

So Far, So Good this Produce Season

After the cold weather put a damper on last year’s produce season, we’re pleased to report that this year has been much better and the Arizona Statewide Gleaning Project has seen an increase in produce donations out of Yuma, and especially Nogales. In February alone, we moved nearly 30 semi-truckloads of tomatoes, bell peppers, celery and assorted varieties of squash, in addition to the usual assortment of salad mix. With a few months of growing season still left before the hot summer arrives, we remain optimistic that we’ll see even more produce flowing through the Gleaning Project and into Arizona’s food banks. Still, we would like to see more rain to help ensure bumper crops, and we remain concerned with the terrible drought happening throughout California. The impact of the drought could ultimately mean fewer donations to food banks, or higher costs when food banks opt to purchase produce to augment the food staples they distribute outside of Arizona’s growing season.

We’re excited to annouce that Western Refining, for the seventh year in a row, is helping the Gleaning Project

Help Us Fight Hunger Today

Planned Giving – Leaving a Legacy of Continued Caring

Did you know you can also include AAFB in your will or donate appreciated stock from your investment portfolio as part of a planned giving strategy? The tax benefits from the donation of stocks and other investments can be very valuable, and such a generous gift makes a real difference in helping AAFB advance its mission of eliminating hunger in Arizona.

If you would like to support AAFB in this way please discuss the options with your financial adviser and then contact Virginia Skinner at 602-528-3434 or 1-800-445-1914.

Marvelous Monthly Donors - They Help Sustain AAFB! We are thankful for a special group of donors who contribute to AAFB each month. They have chosen a very convenient way to support our work and have become a reliable source of income throughout the year. Some of these friends have been with us for years while others have recently joined the circle. The monetary amount of their contributions runs the gamut, but their commitment of $10 to $200 is steady and often grows over time. Several have mentioned that it is not only convenient but reminds them throughout the year, not just at the holidays, that they are helping their neighbors in a time of need. If you would like to join this marvelous group, you can set the process up online at www.azfoodbanks.org or sign up by using the envelope in this issue of Food Lines. If you are already a monthly donor, thank you for your commitment. And please tell a friend that you do this. You are not only a good friend, but the most convincing ambassador for AAFB.

Remembering Kathy McNelly of the Mesa Cannery AAFB extends condolences to the family of Kathy McNelly, a long-time partner of the Gleaning Project and all of Arizona’s food banks. Kathy and her husband Bob spearheaded volunteer efforts at the Mesa Cannery. Kathy passed away on February 7, leaving behind a legacy of generosity through her efforts to help feed hungry families in Arizona. If you ever volunteered at the Mesa Cannery helping to repack bulk food like cereal, rice or beans, you likely interacted with Kathy and Bob as they helped ensure your day of volunteering was a success. Kathy will be missed.

Mesa Cannery is Great Partner to Food Banks: The Mesa Cannery donates and repackages bulk food at their facility - and they need your help!

If you are interested in volunteering to help repackage bulk food, please call

480-839-4694 or 480-695-3552 today.

transport food by donating $35,000 worth of diesel fuel for our two semi-trucks. This amount should provide fuel for at least five months, helping to deliver more than 12 million pounds of food in 2014 - the equivalent of 10 million meals - to our member food banks. Thank you Western Refining for being such a committed partner to the Gleaning Project!

Our Mission:To deliver food and quality services to food banks

and foster relationships in support of our commitment to eliminate hunger.

Established in 1984, AAFB is a private, non-profit organization serving five-member regional food bank members and a network of nearly 1,600 food pantries

and agencies. AAFB is one of the first state associations in the nation and an inaugural partner state association of Feeding America. AAFB was

instrumental in the development of a statewide gleaning project, and our advocacy efforts have

brought about beneficial state and federal legislation for our member food banks and the people they serve.

The Association of Arizona Food Banks is not a food bank - we help make food banking better.

2013-14 Board of Directors:

Board Chair: Karilee Ramaley, JDSalt River Project

Vice Chair: Karina ErnstsenWells Fargo

Secretary / Treasurer: Jo Ellen “Jody” SereySerey/Jones Publishers, Inc.

David Armstrong Ballard Spahr, LLP, Law Firm

Angela “Anne” Bellan School & Hospital Administrator (Retired)

Veronica Bossack Arizona Dept. of Economic Security (Retired)

Sr. Margaret L. Brown Life Sharing Center, Inc. DBA St. Jude Food Bank

Beverly B. DamoreSt. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

Jerome K. Garrison, Sr., Ed.D. South Mountain Community College

Mike IversYuma Community Food Bank

Michael McDonald Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

William H. NordWells Fargo (Retired)

Lisa J. PinoUnited Food Bank

Susan Riedel, MBAModern Woodmen of America

Sue Sadecki Desert Mission Food Bank

David SchwakeLitchfield Elementary School District

AAFB Staff:

Angie Rodgers President & CEO

Virginia SkinnerDirector of Development

Brian SimpsonDirector of Communications

Sylvia McKeeverGleaning Project Logistics Manager

Carol Aanenson-Thomey Executive Assistant

Sherry Hostler Business Manager

Merari Ornelas Administrative Assistant

Harold Graf Lloyd Tsungawa

Volunteers

AAFB is funded by donations and is partially funded by the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security–Family Assistance Administration. Points of view are those of the author and do not necessarily

represent the official position or policies of the Department. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, AAFB must make reasonable accommodation to allow a person with a disability to take part in a program, service, or activity. For example, this means that if necessary, the AAFB must provide sign language interpreters for

people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that the AAFB will take any other

reasonable action that allows you to take part in and understand a program or activity, including making reasonable changes to an activity. If you believe that you will not be able to understand or

take part in a program or activity because of your disability, please let us know of your disability needs in advance if at all possible.

Please contact AAFB at 602-528-3434.

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FOOD LINES is published quarterly by the Association of Arizona Food Banks. It is published in October,

December, March, and May. Send correspondence to:

Association of Arizona Food Banks2100 N. Central Avenue, Suite 230

Phoenix, AZ 85004-1400

Contributing writers and editors: Angie Rodgers, Brian Simpson, Virginia Skinner, Sherry Hostler,

Merari Ornelas

Design & Layout: Brian Simpson

Printing: Epic Print Solutions - Phoenix, AZ

Stay Connected with AAFB: Join the Advocacy Team: Stay current on state and

federal activities by sending an email with “Subscribe to the AAFB Advocacy Team” in the subject line to

[email protected].

Bi-Weekly Email Blast: Subscribe to the bi-weekly AAFB Email Newsletter by emailing Brian Simpson at

[email protected].

: www.twitter.com/aafb

: www.facebook.com/azfoodbanks

AAFB Member Food Banks Collectively Serve

All 15 Arizona Counties: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

www.communityfoodbank.org | 520.622.0525

Desert Mission Food Bankwww.jcl.com/foodbank | 602.870.6062

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliancewww.firstfoodbank.org | 602.242.3663

United Food Bankwww.unitedfoodbank.org | 480.926.4897

Yuma Community Food Bankwww.yumafoodbank.org | 928.343.1243

Additional Resources:Arizona Self Help - resource pre-screening tool

www.arizonaselfhelp.org

Health-e-Arizona - online SNAP (Food Stamp) application

www.healthearizona.org

Arizona 2-1-1 www.211arizona.org

Valley of the Sun United Waywww.vsuw.org

Arizona Department of Economic Security www.azdes.gov