America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

Red Clover Hosts Food Drive

2011-12-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

The ladies at Red Clover have always been supporters of the trendy annual "Jewels and Jeans" fundraiser for Second Harvest and now they've gone the extra yard to help stock our shelves during the holidays with an in-store food drive.

Leah Lancaster and Thu Le Tran teamed together to open Red Clover, Inc. in 2007 and this quaint women’s boutique is located at 244 Bull Street and sells clothing, accessories, jewelry and gifts from local designers. Stop by to cross some gifts off your shopping list and bring in a few canned goods while you are at it and receive a discount on your purchases!

Thank you Leah and Thu for your continued generosity and concern for our community!

Find all the latest trends at www.facebook.com/RedCloverBoutique

BowStern Awards Second Harvest "Serving Our Savannah" Pro-Bono Program

2011-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

WTOC Video

March 23, 2011

BowStern Announces “Serving Our Savannah” Winner

Pro-Bono Campaign Aimed at the Heart of the Non-Profit Community

(Savannah, Ga.) - Representatives from BowStern, an integrated marketing firm, are pleased to announce America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia as winner of the Serving Our Savannah (SOS) pro-bono program. As the selected winner, BowStern will provide this organization with marketing support at no charge, for an entire year.

Coupled with launch of the BowStern Savannah office, SOS was developed specifically for this region. Local nonprofits were given approximately one month to complete applications. In all, BowStern received over 25 applications from local nonprofits interested in the program.

“As part of our company mission, we believe in ‘going first – and giving back’ when entering into any community,” said Tom Derzypolski, Principal, BowStern. “This decision was a difficult one for the entire BowStern team. Ultimately, we felt that America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia had the greatest ability to impact the communities of the region, and in fact, supports other nonprofits themselves.”

The primary mission of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is distributing nutritious food to nonprofits agencies, at-risk elderly and youth. More than 300 nonprofit organizations in the region work in partnership with Second Harvest to distribute food to those in need. Throughout the year, BowStern will develop an integrated marketing plan, along with 35 hours per month of support in the areas of branding, advertising, graphic design, public relations and social media. The 12-month package has a value of $60,000.

“A key consideration in our decision was looking at where we could help and have the greatest impact in Savannah and throughout the region,” said Kimberly Pannell, President BowStern Savannah. “The decision process was agonizing as we reviewed application after application from organizations doing wonderful work. Ultimately, providing this basic need – food, and supporting so many others nudged Second Harvest to the front of the pack.”

Partner organizations of America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia include food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, domestic abuse facilities, senior centers and daycare centers for low-income children.

Those not selected will still have the opportunity to receive marketing support through quarterly consulting seminars. The BowStern team will host sessions at no cost to nonprofits, focused on providing creative direction and guidance throughout the year. The first seminar will launch in April of this year.

For more information about BowStern or the SOS program, visit www.BowStern.com.

The 2nd Annual Tour D' Epicure Raises $18,000 for Kids Cafes

2011-03-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

An incredible evening was had by all 121 attendees at the 2nd Annual Tour d' Epicure, in memory of Velouria Smith Proctor and benefitting America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia's Kids Cafe programs. Guests boarded trolleys, compliments of Old Savannah Tours, and enjoyed 6 stops before ending at the Bohemian for chocolate martinis, desserts, and a great wrap party.

Restaurants: Cha Bella, Elizabeth on 37th, Iocovozzi Gallery, The Community Kitchen, Leoci's, Local 11Ten, Sol, and Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian

Sponsorship provided by J.T. Turner Construction and Lynch Associates Architects

Artist: Thomas Cook, Susan Laney, Daniel Smith, Shelley Smith (Co-Founder of event), Susan Laney, Kayne Lanahan of The Music File and Co- Founder of the Savannah Stopover Music Festival, and a Salvador Dali donated by Kim Iocovozzi.

Printing/Publication by Creative Approach

Media Coverage by Jesse Blanco with "You'll Eat It and Like It" and South Magazine

Community Kitchen holds 40th Graduation Ceremony

2011-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday afternoon the Community Kitchen held a ceremony for their 11 graduates of the 18 week culinary training program run by Chef Floyd. This is the first graduating class that had the opportunity to work and train in the brand new community kitchen on-site at the food bank, and chef tells us that operations have improved immensely since moving into that space, thus making their task of producing 2,500-4,000 meals per day for the Kids Cafes a little easier.

Board Member and public figure, Jamie Deen, spoke to the graduates about the importance of "doing this for yourself" and shared stories from his childhood and how he got to where he is today.

"I've learned everything just like y'all are- one day at a time, step by step, day by day."

Jamie also spoke about the importance of being involved in the community. This is something that his mother always instilled in him which he truly embodies in his own life, and something that the 11 graduates know a lot about as well. Every day, they are the ones preparing the meals for the Kids Cafe sites while at the same time, learning kitchen and food handling safety, ensuring ServSafe practices, and making sure the children they feed have healthy and delicious meals every day.

Chef Floyd & Brittany Johnson

Instructor Iris Holmes-McGraw and Marvin Ellis

Jamie congratulates a grad

After the presentation of the certificates, the students had the opportunity to reflect on what the program meant to them- emotions we shared freely amongst the family and everyone enjoyed a meal prepared by the graduates afterwards.

Hobart Mixer: Newest Addition to the Community Kitchen

2011-02-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

One can only imagine the surprise and joy that Chef Floyd, his staff, and culinary students felt this morning when a Commercial Grade Hobart Counter Mixer arrived at the Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Kitchen! This generous gift was made possible by John Van't Slot, a local representative and product tester for Hobart.

The new mixer is a much needed addition to the community kitchen team who prepare thousands of meals EACH day to be delivered and served at our 34 Kids Cafe sites. Chef Floyd says "the Hobart mixer will allow us to prepare one of the kid's favorites, blueberry cobbler, in less than half the time it took with our old mixer (see picture below) and in one day instead of two!" He also claimed that the bakers couldn't wait to get their hands on the mixer this morning- they were so excited they wanted to carry it in to the kitchen themselves and set it up immediately!

Many, many thanks to John and the Hobart community!

2nd Annual Tour d' Epicure SOLD OUT

2011-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

Just one day after Kristin King appeared on WJCL/Fox 28 News to thank sponsors and participating restaurants, artists, and supporters, the Second Annual Tour d' Epicure in memory of Velouria Smith Proctor has sold out. A big THANK YOU to our sponsors JT Turner Construction, Lynch Associates Architects, and Old Savannah Tours.

Watch WJCL/Fox 28 Interview

Featured Supporter of Second Harvest: Local 11Ten

2011-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

In 2010, Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia touched 116,000 lives by distributing 8.1 million pounds of food and serving over 200,000 meals to children. As we continues to grow with the needs of the 21 counties we serve, we are grateful and encouraged by the generosity and support of local establishments.

We would like to take a minute to honor and thank Local 11Ten for their continued participation in Second Harvest events and fund raisers and their eagerness to embrace our efforts to help end hunger.

Chef Brandy Williamson and GM Jamie Durrence make a great pair and lead their team at Local 11Ten (affectionately known simply as "Local") in creating some of the most fresh and flavorful food in the Coastal Empire. If you have not experienced their ever changing menu, be sure to visit soon! In the words of one of Chef Brandy's quotes to live by:

One cannot think well, love well,
sleep well, if one has not dined well

We Met the Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant because of YOU!

2010-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that we have met the Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant goal for 2010 and that we will indeed receive the $200,000 to complete our Capital Campaign for the Community Kitchen: Recipe for Hope. The Kresge Foundation awards grants to small, mid-size, and large nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education, and human services. Working with their grantees, they endeavor to improve the life circumstances and opportunities for poor, disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, families, and communities.

In the words of Sebastian Kresge, “Giving away money is not an easy job,” Sebastian once observed. “Money alone cannot build character or transform evil into good; it cannot restore the influence and vitality of the home; neither can it maintain the valleys and plains of peace. Spent alone, it might as well stay in the vaults… It cries for full partnership with leaders of character and good will.”

Please stop by our new Community Kitchen at any time to see your gift at work!

Santa and Pizza for Kids Cafe Site

2010-12-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, Dec. 16th, a number of Second Harvest volunteers, Board Members, and one very special guest paid a visit to the W.W. Law Community Center, one of the 34 Kids Cafe

sites that America's Second Harvest of Coastal GA serves.

More than 74,000 school-aged children are at risk for hunger in our area and more than 21,000 of these children live in Chatham County. America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia has been leading initiatives to reduce childhood hunger since the creation of Kids Cafe® in 1989. Kids Cafe® offers more than 2,000 hot, evening meals for children at-risk for hunger in Chatham and surrounding counties. Each child also receives homework assistance and tutoring to improve academic achievement. Many of these children also participate in cultural enrichment activities or team sports to help build positive social skills.

Board Members Volunteer to Ring the Salvation Army Bell

2010-12-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Salvation Army has been one of Second's Harvest's member agencies for years and this is the second year that our board members have volunteered to "ring the bell" at one of their 40 red kettle locations across the city. Savannah's Salvation Army is hoping to raise upwards of $250,000 through its red kettles this year and money collected from local red kettles helps the Salvation Army feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and reach out to the community.

"This is the biggest fundraiser we do, and we do this to take care of the Salvation Army for the entire year." Michelle Dasher, program coordinator

Above: Board Members Jamie Deen and Barbie Lientz are all smiles

Below: An enthusiastic shopper eager to be the Salvation Army's youngest volunteers perhaps?

Food Relief Boxes: Packed and Ready to Help Those in Need

2010-12-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

America’s Second Harvest was one of only three food banks in Georgia awarded a

contract by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) earlier this year.

Through this CFSP contract, Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia will distribute 465

CSFP boxes each month, with the help of community partners, in Bulloch, Evans,

Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Tattnall and Toombs Counties. Mary Jane Crouch,

executive director of Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, commented that “these

counties were chosen because their poverty rates and our distribution records

indicate that they are the areas in our region with the greatest need.”

On Monday, December 13, volunteers joined

Congressman John Barrow at the food bank to pack CSFP boxes with nutritious foods like canned protein, peanut butter, evaporated milk, cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, grits, and juice. Each month, 465 boxes with 30-35 pounds of food will help low-income families who face tough financial decisions such

as whether to pay the mortgage,

utility bills, purchase prescription medication, or buy food.

"Folks in my district have been hit especially hard by the economy,” states

Congressman Barrow. “The holidays are a time when other services, like school

lunches, are not as readily available, making organizations like America's Second

Harvest that much more important. I'm pleased to help out, and I encourage

everyone who can to do the same."

Congressman Barrow also had the opportunity to tour the band new Community Kitchen and meet with graduates of the Culinary Job Training Program at the food bank as well as sample some of the delicious food they prepare every day for those in at risk of hunger in our community. Jamie Deen, current Board member and long-time supporter of Second Harvest of Coastal GA, was also up for participating in the "taste test" which the chefs passed with flying colors!

With each dollar contributed to America's Second Harvest, four nutritious meals can be provided for local people. For more information about alleviating hunger in our community, please visit www.helpendhunger.org or call (912) 236-6750.

Ribbon Cutting: Community Kitchen

2010-12-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated the fruits of all the hard work, labor, sacrifices, and generosity of the staff at America's Second Harvest of Coastal GA, the contractors and workers that helped make this possible, including Lynch Architects & JT Turner Construction, as well as all of our gracious supporters and contributors to our efforts.

The brand new Community Kitchen, located at the food bank's property on President St. in Savannah, GA will play a key role in utilizing food and education to create a hunger-free community. The kitchen is named in honor of Grace Neises, a long-time supporter and initiator in the community, who's husband Jack was there to receive the recognition on behalf of his wife who passed away this year.

The Capital Campaign, "Recipe for Hope," that was created to fund the building of the Community Kitchen is close to fruition! We seek public support to raise the remaining $150,000 by December 31st, 2010 which will allow us to utilize the $200,000 Kresge Challenge Grant. Please consider making a small donation to help us reach or goal.

visit: www.helpendhunger.org

More Press for "Dine Out to End Hunger"

2010-05-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to view our recent interview with WTOC- proud sponsors of Dine Out To End Hunger on June 12th.

Event Featured In Savannah Morning News

2010-05-12T12:42:00.001-07:00

Announcement: Dine out to End Hunger

2010-05-11T11:27:00.001-07:00

America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Local 11Ten and WTOC announce "Dine Out to End Hunger" on June 12th. Details and participating venues to follow.

Jewels & Jeans 2010- Huge Success

2010-05-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

The annual "Jewels & Jeans" fundraiser for Second Harvest seems to get better and better each year! This past Thursday the event was held at the Food Bank warehouse and guests enjoyed fantastic music by the Train Wrecks, delicious bites from the Bohemian, Mrs. Wilkes, Lady & Son's, Uncle Bubbas, Lulu's, the Cookie Studio, Savannah Candy Kitchen, Big Water Catering, The Community Kitchen, and Basils. The open bars stayed busy all night while the silent auction bid sheets filled up fast! The event was completely sold out and we have already started working on ways to increase the capacity for the venue for next year to meet the overwhelming demand for tickets by the Savannah community!

The warehouse was converted into a spectacular event space by the generosity of Harvey Designs and her amazing team, along with the tireless staff at Second Harvest- thank you Montey, Eric, and the entire Crew!!

* Photography courtesy of Philip M Campbell

Jewels & Jeans PSA via WJCL

2010-03-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Kids Cafe Art Project Builds Community While Helping the Environment

2010-03-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, we have been working with multiple Kids Cafe locations on an art project that for lack of a better phrase, we are calling "The Recyclable Bag Project." Both Maggie Evans and Johanna Fuguet Hopkinson received their MFA's from Savannah College of Art and Design and currently live in Savannah and work in their fields of study. They graciously offered their time and talent to assist the children with drawing their favorite piece of food in our efforts to select a winner whose image would be printed on recyclable grocery bags and used as a fund raiser for Kids Cafe programs. With the help of Primary Art Supply, International Paper, and Sea Island Bank, we were able to make this project a success! Below are picture from this project, including a shot of two of the winners showing off their artwork and their savings bond certificate, courtesy of Sea Island Bank. Bags will be available starting April 29th, 2010 at the "Jewels & Jeans" event so be sure to pick up a few for your household and as gifts!

"Tour d' Epicure" Premier Event a Huge Success

2010-03-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

The first, and hopefully annual, "Tour d' Epicure" took place on February 28th, raising much needed funds for America's Second Harvest of Coastal GA while at the same time providing guests with a fantastically fun evening! 123 patrons boarded 6 tolley lines and headed on their specific route- hitting Iocovozzi Fine Arts Gallery, featuring the photography of Laura Henderson with Opening Light Studio, as well as some of Savannah finest restaurants: Eos, Sol, Leoci's, Cha Bella, and Local 11Ten. Each stop also featured a local artist and a piece for guests to bid on. You can read more about it at The South Magazine's Blog and in the meantime, here are some great pictures from the evening!