‘DOUBLING UP’ in Recession-Strained Quarters

Of the myriad ways the Great Recession has altered the country’s social fabric, the surge in households where relatives and friends have moved in together as a last resort, is one of the most concrete, yet underexplored, demographic shifts.

Full Story:  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/us/29families.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

STORE COUPONS May ...

Tap You on the Shoulder  First, we clipped coupons. Then we clicked for them. But a coming generation of digital coupons may announce themselves to us in the grocery-store aisle.

Full Story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/business/26digi.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a26

Child Hunger in Arizona

Check out what you think you know about Hunger, Children & AZ

TAKE THE QUIZ: http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=child-hunger-in-arizona

Standing on Shaky Ground: Americans' Experiences with Economic Insecurity

Recession took an economic toll on 93 percent of US households
Full Story & Reports: http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/publications/standing-shaky-ground-americans

GREAT RECESSION HIT HARD AT AMERICA’S WORKING POOR

During the Great Recession, unemployment rates reached their highest levels in more than 25 years, drawing attention to the millions of Americans who lost their jobs during the economic downturn. But there is another—mostly untold—story in the federal employment statistics: More families who have managed to continue working are hard-pressed to stay afloat in the weak economy.

Full Report: http://www.workingpoorfamilies.org/pdfs/policybrief-dec2010-embargo.pdf

AN EMPTY TABLE -- SHAMEFUL

The U.S. Census Bureau's most recent report reveals a sobering reality: Arizona has the second highest poverty rate in the nation.

This shameful distinction calls attention to a long-standing social problem that has been exacerbated by challenging economic times. Today, many Arizonans are experiencing need for the first time, and must seek assistance in ways they had never imagined.
Full Story: http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/opinion/report/122010_arizona_hunger

Strapped Cities Hit Nonprofits With Fees

Facing budget gaps and an aversion to new debt and taxes, states and local governments are slapping residents with an array of new fees—and some are applying them to nonprofits.
Full Story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703548604576038080723678202.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

AGE GAP NARROWS on Social Networks

Though people ages 18 to 33 outpace other adults in almost every category of Internet use, their elders are rapidly closing the gap in social networking.

Full Story: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Generations-2010/Overview.aspx

THANKS for everyone's generosity

THANKS ...

...  to all the 2011 Operation Santa Claus sponsors and donors!
Food Bank Info: http://www.firstfoodbank.org/

Why not make your Life a little LESS TAXING??

Tinsel Korey's DO SOMETHING volunteer experience

...  at St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
View Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4voGzRW7eI

it just feeeeeeels good!

 

www.firstfoodbank.org

HOUSE PASSES OVERHAUL OF FOOD LAW-

The bill, which President Obama has indicated he will sign, is meant to change the mission of the F.D.A., focusing it on preventing food-borne illnesses rather than reacting after an outbreak occurs.    

The overhaul comes after several major outbreaks and food recalls in recent years involving salmonella in eggs, peanuts and E. coli in spinach and other leafy greens.

Full Story:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/business/22food.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a24

 

TAX CREDIT: MAKE YOUR DONATION GROW & FEED PEOPLE

Money is tight for everyone. But there is a great way for anyone to make a substantial gift to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and immediately recoup the money on your taxes.

You may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit of up to $200 ($400 if married and ¬filing jointly) when you donate to St. Mary’s. In addition, an anonymous donor will match your gift up to $95,000, giving your gift twice the value for the Food Bank.

If you make a $400 donation – which returns to you in the form of a tax credit – that gift is doubled to $800. And since St. Mary’s can distribute the equivalent of seven meals for every dollar donated, that $800 gift turns into 5,600 meals for the hungry of Arizona.
A reminder that St. Mary’s – recognized as a four-star charity from Charity Navigator for eight straight years, something only one percent of the charities in the United States can say – uses 96 percent of its budget to help low-income Arizonans. This makes donations to the Food Bank eligible for the Arizona Tax Credit. Taxpayers can take advantage of this credit along with the school tax credit.
For more information, consult a tax advisor or the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from St. Mary’s Food Bank. And as the New Year approaches,

We depend on you because hungry Arizonans depend on us.

Pacific Southwest Financial & Insurance Services Inc. Supports St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s Board Member Barry McBride presents St. Mary’s Food Bank President and CEO Terry Shannon with a $3,000 check from Pacific Southwest Financial & Insurance Services Inc. at the Dell E. Webb Distribution Center on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Mr. McBride accepted the donation at the company’s recent luncheon – and the $2,000 donation from the company was enhanced by a $1,000 addition the family of the CEO.

Altogether, the donation will allow St. Mary’s to distribute enough food to provide 21,000 meals to the hungry of Arizona.

The Food Bank wishes to thank the employees and leadership of Pacific Southwest Financial & Insurance Services for their generous donation.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

THANKS Tinsel, for all you do!

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance is very grateful to “Twilight” star Tinsel Korey for her visit to our Del E. Webb Distribution Center and Knight Transportation Center on Tuesday morning.

Tinsel spent her morning building Emergency Food Boxes and distributing some of the 40,000 boxes St. Mary’s ...will give out during the month of December.

Check out: DoSomething.org for more information on Tinsel’s work and how to help.

ASSOCIATED ASSET MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES MAKE $5,000 DONATION TO ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance would like to that the employees of Associated Asset Management of Arizona for their recent donation of $5,000 to benefit the hungry of Arizona.

Laura Ziff, CEO of AAM Arizona, and President Amanda Shaw made the check presentation to St. Mary’s Development Officer Christina Calio on Dec. 13.
It’s the latest in a series of donations supporting St. Mary’s Food Bank from one of Arizona’s most-respected homeowners’ association management companies. AAM has 20 years of homeowners’ association management company experience to its credit and 345 associations under management, dedicated to delivering total peace of mind to our clients.
AAM’s most recent gift will allow the Food Bank to distribute enough food to provide 35,000 meals to the hungry of Arizona, and help fill the more than 40,000 Holiday Food Boxes St. Mary’s will distribute over the holiday season.
From everyone at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, on behalf of Arizona’s hungry, thank you to the employees of AAM for their continued partnership and support.

‎1 in 7 AMERICANS RELY ON SNAP\FOOD STAMPS

The use of food stamps has increased dramatically in the U.S., as the federal government ramps up basic assistance to meet the demands of an increasingly desperate population.

Full Story: http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/21/news/economy/food_stamps/index.htm

FOOD BANKS' CITRUS COLLECTION DATES

One person's surplus is another's necessity, Valley food banks hope overflowing citrus trees can be turned into food for those in need this winter.

For those who pick their own fruit for donation, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance will hold its annual Super Citrus Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 22.

Full Story: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/12/21/20101221valley-food-banks-set-citrus-collection-dates.html

Employed But Struggling: Report Finds 1 in 3 Working Families Near Poverty

1 in3 Working Families Near Poverty
the aftermath of the worst economic downturn since the Depression, much attention has been focused on the 15 million people who are officially out of work, yet even among those who have jobs, livelihoods and living standards have been substantially downgraded. Growing numbers of employed people live in near poverty, struggling to make ends meet.
Full Story: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/21/low-income-families_n_799295.html

SCOTTSDALE SADDLE CLUB RAISES MORE THAN 2,300 MEALS AT ANNUAL BANQUET

Members of the Scottsdale Saddle Club came to St. Mary’s on Monday to present the Food Bank with food and cash donations raised through a raffle at their annual banquet. Anyone who brought two cans for St. Mary’s was entered into the raffle. The results were impressive: 374 pounds of food was collected along with $284 in cash. That combination allows the food bank to distributed enough food for 2,362 meals for the hungry of Arizona.
Saddle Club members have riding competitions each month – and they LOVE helping out the Food Bank.
Well, we LOVE the Saddle Club, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

TWILIGHT STAR TINSEL KOREY VISITS ST. MARY’S ON DEC. 21 TO PACK FOOD BOXES

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance will welcome Tinsel Korey, star of the blockbuster Twilight movie franchise, to the Del E. Webb Warehouse on Tuesday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. as she volunteers to build Emergency Food Boxes for the hungry of Arizona.
Korey is in town visiting family for the holidays and to support the “Tackle Hunger initiative sponsored by DoSomething.org.

One of the largest organizations supporting youth social action in the United States, DoSomething.org encourages and empowers America’s Youth to launch food drives in their schools each holiday season to benefit hungry families.
The “Tackle Hunger” campaign partners with St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and Feeding America to collect 1 million pounds of food during the holidays for those in need.
All planning to visit are welcome to bring in a food item for donation!

SCOTTSDALE INSURANCE MAKES CHRISTMAS BETTER FOR KIDS – AND MOMS

WITH HOLIDAY DIAPER DRIVE

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance would like to thank the employees of Scottsdale Insurance Company for their year-round support of the hungry of Arizona.

During this holiday season, led by great St. Mary’s supporter Grady Van Noy, members of the Scottsdale Insurance held a special Holiday Diaper Drive to help the families who are struggling in our community and come to the food bank hoping to find these expensive items that are not covered by food stamps. The Scottsdale Insurance team collected more than 4,400 diapers and hundreds of assorted baby and toddler feeding a hygiene items – from baby wipes to toys to clothes and much more.

A huge “Thank You” to Scottsdale Insurance, a company that is there for St. Mary’s 365 days a year. And at this special time, we wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

IF ANYONE CAN... CHALLENGER CAN ..

and ...CHALLENGER DID!

One very dynamic special education teacher from Challenger Middle School took the messaging of St Mary's Food Bank Alliance Hunger 101 program and ran with it.

Ashleigh Clark-King worked with her class to rally the entire school where most of the children receive... free and reduced cost breakfast and lunch ad coordinated a terrifically successful food drive!
See SUPER FOOD DRIVE Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy83VAU86R4

Hunger 101 AZ believes it's nice to be Ambidexterlist!

Well, I've been checking my Hunger 101AZ Blogger's list. Yes, checking it twice. Checking to see.. Who's been Nice and those  not so much.As anticipated, you ALL have made the "Nice List". Well, except for the somewhat weird lady in the office next to mine... she made the SUPER NICE List!
However, as we always say at St. Mary's "don't count your vacuum-packed chickens before their distributed." After all, this is just one Nice List among millions.
To enhance your chances to be on everyone's Nice List, just keep doing the things you do so well all year to End Hunger. After all, it's nice to be Ambidexterlist!

Check out Hunger101AZ website to learn about how we try to make the Nice List: http://www.hunger%20101az.org/

 

TREMENDOUS outpouring of support from the community

Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support from the community at Thanksgiving, the Food Bank now has enough turkey and ham to meet demand during the December holidays – but St. Mary’s Food Bank also needs to be able to provide other nutritious foods to those seeking assistance.

Even donated food can cost the Food Bank up to $2,000 per trailer truckload in shipping costs.
Food Bank Info: http://www.firstfoodbank.org/

MERCADO HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE & GALA CHARITY EVENT

MERCADO HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE & GALA CHARITY EVENT

$25,000 Auction Prizes & Live Music

Dec 17th, 6-9PM

10155 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale

6,500+ cans & MORE TO COME

CHALLENGER Elementary School students in Glendale, AZ have collected 6,500+ cans with their 2010 Food Drive. They still have 4 days to go..

Arizona has seen a “significant increase” in SNAP/Food Stamp

According to the state’s Department of Economic Security, Arizona has seen a “significant increase” in SNAP/Food Stamp applications, to the point that more than one million of the state’s residents now receive some kind of “supplemental nutrition assistance” – or approximately one out of every six Arizonans. The number of residents receiving SNAP/Food Stamps jumped 15.4 percent in the last year.

Full Story: http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20101117/Food-stamp-recipients-in-Arizona-top-one-million

‎13TH ANNUAL ARIZONA CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS BIGGER THAN EVER IN NEW LOCATION;

SAVE $2 WITH 3-CAN DONATION TO ST. MARY’S

The 2010 Arizona Celebration of Lights, presented by BBVA Compass, is a spectacular, drive-through festival featuring the state’s largest display of holiday lights!

Back for a 13th year, the 2010 event will include more than 7,000,000 lights and numerous animated an still displays, including new LED displays, set along a new, one-mile route at 99th Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix. The journey will include going through light tunnels and arches, in an event that families can experience and enjoy from the comfort and convenience of their own cars.

The estimated attendance for this year’s event is 15,000 cars. The display will continue now through Sunday, Jan. 2 from 6-9 p.m. at its new location, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85037 (just off the (I-10 and 99th Avenue). General admission is $15 per vehicle, but a $2 discount is given for anyone who brings three cans of food for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance or a new, unwrapped toy to benefit The Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Program.

CIGNA has just completed it's 2010 SMFBA Food Drive

 ......... which included a unique food garden in their office lobby asking folks to "can" you help us grow our garden? with seed $ collected in watering can.

Employees could donate funds in the watering can or place their canned goods in the garden’s rows. It was a great visual and it kept folks engaged for the 5 weeks of the drive.  Turning their passion into action…

GLENDALE HOLIDAY DISPLAY ACCEPTING FOOD DONATIONS FOR ST. MARY’S

oday’s spotlight home is the home of John Fernandes of Glendale.
The Fernandes Family Display includes a ferris wheel, nativity scene, music light show, various carved-out and blow-up characters and more than 15,000 lights.

The family invites you to come see their display at 5410 N. 80th Lane in Glendale and reminds you that it is also collecting canned food donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and ask those planning to visit if they could remember the hungry of Arizona as they enjoy their display.

If you are collecting food for St. Mary’s at your holiday display, please e-mail the information and a photo to jjbrown@firstfoodbank.org and we’ll be happy to spread the word about your handiwork

FLAMEKEEPERS & RHYTYM ROOM BASH

        Our sincerest THANKS to RHYTHYM ROOM, GEORGE THOMAS & THE FLAMEKEEPERS, CHUCK PETERSON, BIG ZEPHYR, FULL MOON HACKSAW JAZZ, CRAZY EIGHTS sharing talent and caring by providing the 2010 Benefit for St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance BASH last evening. Great place, great talent and especially GREAT PEOPLE.

 

What's in your trunk that you might share?

One in five Arizonans lives in poverty and one in seven Americans is struggling with hunger

More than 275,000 Pounds per day

 Looking ahead, with combined unemployment and underemployment rates in Arizona remaining at more than 19 percent, St. Mary’s Food Bank will need to distribute 36 million pounds of food into the community in the next six months – or more than 275,000 pounds of food each day.

Food Bank web site: http://www.firstfoodbank.org/

Just a thought .....

 Got Some, Get Some, Give Some.  It all starts with one can.
Call 602-343-3173 to start an AZ food drive 

Food Drive details at: www.firstfoodbank.org

One in seven ARIZONA SENIORS ...

... lives below the poverty line and faces the challenges of HUNGER EVERYDAY

Food Bank Web Site: http://www.firstfoodbank.org/

During December ...

 ... St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance anticipates distributing 6 million pounds of food to those in need across Arizona

Food Bank Web site: http://www.firstfoodbank.org/ 

GLENDALE, PEORIA POLICE COLLECT HUNDREDS OF TURKEYS

...  FOR ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK ALLAINCE
St. Mary’s Food bank Alliance would like the thank both the Glendale and Peoria Police for their efforts collecting turkeys and other food items for the hungry of the West Valley.
The Glendale Fraternal Order of Police delivered more than 220 Turkeys to St. Mary’s Food Bank in Surprise, while the Peoria police added dozens more to the total.
St. Mary’s salutes these two fantastic departments – not only for their donations but for the great work they do every day to protect and serve the community.
We are proud to be partners in the fight against hunger.

FRY’S SHOPPERS, CHANNEL 3 VIEWERS SUPPORT ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK WITH “ONE BIG GIVE”

Add caption

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance would like to thank Channel 3, Fry’s Food Stores and all the shoppers and viewers who donated turkeys, food items and cash during the annual “One Big Give” day on Nov. 23.

More than 3,200 pounds of turkeys, more than 3,500 pounds of non-turkey food items and $5,300 in cash was collected during that one day. That will allow St. Mary’s to distribute enough food for more than 44,000 meals from that one day of giving!

Since the food drive began on Nov. 3, Fry’s had collected more than 250,000 pounds of food around the state for St. Mary’s and other food banks in Arizona.
A big thank you to Channel 3, our great friends at Fry’s and everyone who helped fill our more than 10,000 Holiday food Boxes in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. And a reminder: Christmas is just around the corner!

MOUNTAIN RIDGE BRINGS IT DURING KEZ 99.9 RADIO REMOTE ...

FOR 2010 NATIONAL STUDENT FOOD DRIVE

The 2009 champs know the road to the John Van Hengel Memorial Cup is tougher than ever this year, but the Mountain Lions proved they are up for the challenge during Wednesday’s KEZ 99.9FM radio remote.

The STUGO was out in force for interviews with Marty Manning and the food and cash is already coming in toward what they hope to be another winning total.

ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK SEEKS HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS

in the Valley to join the 2010 NATIONAL STUDENT FOOD DRIVE.
Winning Schools & Students can win US Airways Travel Vouchers, 250-seat Harkins Theatre For School Fund-Raising Event, SMFBA John Van Hengel Memorial Cup, Live KEZ Morning Radio remotes coverage & KPHO TV Live Mid-Day remotes coverage.
For more information, contact St. Mary’s Education Programs & Food Drive Manager Chet Provorse at (602) 343-3169 or by email at cdprovorse@firstfoodbank.org

FOOD VALUE CLUB --- New Service Hours

St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
FOOD VALUE CLUB (FVC)
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Full FVC Info at: http://firstfoodbank.org/fvc.html

Just 1 Person? What can you do to fight HUNGER?

Maybe start by:

• Scheduling an information tour of a St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Bank facilities to see what and how the struggle to end hunger continues everydayVolunteering one of the over 700 St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance partner agency sites across Arizona
• Linking your personal, corporate or community organization web site to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Web site and become an active Food Bank "Facebook Friend" 
• http://firstfoodbank.org/volunteer.html

COMING SOON to a HIGH SCHOOL near you!

The National Student Food Drive 2010 in the Valley of the Sun.

For early details contact cdprovorse@firstfoodbank.org

3 MORE WAYS Kids can fight hunger:

* Create and hang posters about hunger-related issues and post them (with permission) in your school, community center, religious center or other community-based facility

* Make and/or decorate cloth grocery bags, back packs, or shoulder packs for senior citizens who are physically challenged or mobility limited, or children to support their shopping in the community and/or work

* Host an “Empty Bowl” or “Empty Soup Mug” event where children and adults create, sell or raffle ceramic bowls and a small meal to raise funds and awareness for hunger-related issues

http://www.hunger101az.org/

Calling all CPAs & ACCOUNTANTS ...

Valley of the Sun CPAs & ACCOUNTANTS ...  Are they worth a HILL OF BEANS?  We think, YOU'LL THINK SO!  We certainly think so.