March 24, 2010
On March 17, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln released her “mark” for Child Nutrition Reauthorization, signaling the start of real action on this important federal legislation. Though bills have been introduced for a while, the first hearings will likely start next week, so now is the key time to take action and contact your members of Congress.
What did Chairman Lincoln’s draft legislation say?
The draft legislation included many great improvement that affect hungry people, including more meals for kids in afterschool programs, expansion of summer meal services, and funding to create new and more effective ways of serving children. The draft bill also includes $4.5 billion in new funding for child nutrition programs. This level of funding is a good start, but it does not fulfill President Obama’s request of $10 billion in new funding that would enable adequate and necessary improvement in child nutrition.
What is the next step?
The Senate Agriculture Committee will be the first to take up this legislation. The committee “mark-up” is when other Members of the Agriculture Committee can offer any changes or improvements to the draft legislation. The Senate Agriculture Committee Members will then vote on the bill. If the Committee passes the bill, it will move to the full Senate for a vote. Therefore, at this point, our Senators are the key players in the reauthorization process.
What should you do?
Contact your Senators to let them know you care about child nutrition and that $4.5 billion is not enough! In order for essential improvement to be made in federal child nutrition programs, there must be adequate funding and support.
Sample Message: “I believe every child should have access to nutritious meals. Please support Child Nutrition legislation that will improve the quality of meals for children, increase program access so more children can participate, and make programs easier for communities to provide. Lastly, please work toward $10 billion in new funding; $4.5 billion is not enough to provide the nourishment children need to succeed.”
Share this message with your US Senators now:
Senator Patty Murray: (866) 481-9186 or send an email online at: http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm
Senator Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441 or send an email online at: http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/
Reauthorization only happens every 5 years. Don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Questions? Want to be more involved in advocacy? Contact Maria Roselle via email or by calling (206) 545-6600, x3625
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Source: www.foodlifeline.org
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
We invite you to “Dine Out to Feed Spokane” during March 2010
March 1
The Davenport Hotel & Tower’s: The Palm Court Grill, The Safari Room. The Peacock Room, 10 S. Post St. (509) 789-6848 http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/
Hotel Lusso’s: Post Street Alehouse, 1 N. Post St. (509) 789-6900 www.hotellusso.com/dining/alehouse
March 3
Herbal Essence Café, 115 N. Washington St. (509) 838-4600 http://www.herbalessencecafe.com/
March 8 & 9
Casa de Oro - ($1 donation for each Dinner Combination order, 4111 N. Division St. http://www.casadeoromexrex.com/
March 10
Lindaman’s, 1235 S. Grand Blvd. (509) 838-3000 http://www.lindamans.com/
March 11
Vintages, 611 E. 30th Ave (509) 624-3202
March 13
Atticus Coffee ,222 N. Howard St. (509) 747-0336 http://www.4seasonscoffee.com/
March 15
Northern Quest Casino & Resort’s: The “Q” (Donation for each for Smash Burger or Pizza Order)
Woodlands: (Donation for each Dinner Order) ,100 N. Hayford Rd, Airway Heights (509) 242-7000 www.northernquest.com/dining.php
March 17
Scratch Restaurant & Rain Lounge,1007 W. First Ave (509) 456-5656 http://www.scratchspokane.com/
Savage Pizza, 700 S. Dishman Rd. (509) 924-3876 savagehousepizza.com
March 22
Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar (North), 401 E. Farwell (509) 465-8794 http://www.twigsbistro.com/
Stix Bar & Grill, 9820 N. Nevada (509) 468-9820 http://www.98twentybistro.com/
March 23rd
Longhorn BBQ West, 7611 W. Sunset Hwy; Airway Hts (509) 838-8372 http://www.thelonghornbbq.com/
Five Mile Heights Pizza Parlor, 6409 N. Maple St. (509) 328-4764
March 24
Lindaman’s, 1235 S. Grand Blvd. (509) 838-3000 http://www.lindamans.com/
March 25
Picabu Bistro, 901 W. 14th Ave. (509) 624-2464, http://www.picabu-bistro.com/
March 30
Steelhead Bar & Grille, 218 N. Howard St. (509) 747-1303 http://www.steelheadbarandgrille.com/
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DINE OUT at the following restaurants all month long, taking advantage of their
Dine Out Specials and/or Featured Foods!
Azteca (3 locations)
Donation for “Southwest Burrito” Sales,
245 W. Spokane Falls Blvd (509) 456-0350
9738 N. Newport Hwy & 14700 E. Indiana (509) 465-9101 (509) 228-9661
http://www.aztecamex.com/ (for all)
Broadway Diner; Flying JExit 286 I90 Sun 6AM - Mon 6AM Sales
6606 E. Broadway Ave; Spokane Valley (509) 535-3028 http://www.broadwaygroup.com/
Chic-A-Ria German Inn & PubLunch & Dinner Specials
1812 W. Francis Ave (509) 326-2214
ClinkerdaggerMarch 11-27th Featured Dessert
621 W. Mallon Ave (509) 328-5965, http://www.clinkerdagger.com/
Deaconess Hospital Espresso Stand
Espresso Stand Gratuities/Tips
800 W. Fifth Ave (509) 458-5800
Ferrante’s Marketplace Café
Wednesday Food & Beverage Sales
4516 S. Regal St. (509) 443-6304 http://www.doitalian.com/
Le Café- Sacred Heart Medical Center
Wednesday Soup Sales
101 W. 8th Ave (509) 474-3131 www.shmc.org/index.php/page/101
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (3 locations)
Daily Features on “Dine Out” Menu
5903 N. Division & 12 E. Olive (509) 489-2160 (509) 747-9111
9019 E. Mission Ave (509) 927-2640
http://www.perkinsrestaurants.com/ (for all)
Pizza Pipeline (6 locations)
Mention “Dine Out” for Carry Out Orders and/or “Pork Riblets” Orders
10925 N. Newport Hwy & 1402 N. Division (509) 466-8080 (509) 326-6412
1724 W. Wellesley & 15701 E.Sprague (509) 328-1111 (509) 921-0000
9407 E. Trent Ave & 2718 E. 57th (509) 893-4444 (509) 534-2222
http://www.pizzapipeline.com/ (for all)
Satellite Diner & Lounge
Lunch Specials (excluding holidays)
425 W. Sprague Ave (509) 624-3952, http://www.satellitediner.com/
Senor Froggy & Italian Express (2 locations)
“Feed Spokane Pasta Meal Deal”
7326 N. Division St. & 3024 S. Regal St. (509) 483-1332 (509) 534-6117
Service Station Saturday Food & Beverage Sales
9315 N. Nevada St. (509) 466-1696 www.theservicestation.org
Sportsman Café & Lounge
Lunch Specials
6410 N. Market St. (509) 467-6388
Steam Plant Grill
Desserts
159 S. Lincoln St. (509) 777-3900 www.steamplantgrill.com
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
St Patrick's Day Dinner to Benefit Des Moines Area Food Bank
The Clarion Hotel in Seattle is hosting a St Patrick's Day Spaghetti Dinner & Auction to raise money for the Des Moines Area Food Bank.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
WHERE: Clarion Hotel, 3000 S 176th St, Seattle 98188
COST: Adults: $10 prepaid, $13 at the door
Students/Seniors: $7
WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
WHERE: Clarion Hotel, 3000 S 176th St, Seattle 98188
COST: Adults: $10 prepaid, $13 at the door
Students/Seniors: $7
Families: $25 (2 adults, 2 children)
Please RSVP with
Benita: 206-676-3742 or Tina: 206-676-3743
http://www.myfoodbank.org/stpatricksdinner/
Please RSVP with
Benita: 206-676-3742 or Tina: 206-676-3743
http://www.myfoodbank.org/stpatricksdinner/
The Benefit of Having the Washington Food Coalition
These are rocky times. Money is short, resources are strained, and client numbers are increasing rapidly. These are problems the emergency food community has faced for years, but they have accelerated during the past twelve to eighteen months. During this time, it has become increasingly clear why the Washington Food Coalition (WFC) is so important. What organization in Washington State specifically represents the interests of emergency food sites and their clients? Only the Washington Food Coalition.
State Budget Woes
This is a volatile time in Olympia with the current budget shortfall of $2.7 billion and the State Treasurer’s office saying the state may run out of cash by September if things don’t improve. The Governor, state legislators, and their respective staffs are searching for ways to increase revenues and cut costs. No programs, from education to public safety, are safe from budget cuts. Two programs -- EFAP and TEFAP -- provide very significant sources of food and money for food bank and congregate meal programs. They are under scrutiny as state government attempts to remain above water. That’s where your Washington Food Coalition plays an essential role.
EFAP and TEFAP in Jeopardy
A position paper was written and approved by the WFC board to clearly state our position on the importance of EFAP and TEFAP to the very existence of emergency food programs, particularly to small and/or rural food banks where funding and food is difficult to obtain. The purpose of position paper is two-fold: • First, to provide you and your colleagues with a way to approach your legislators with a consistent message, helping to brand the Washington Food Coalition for lawmakers as the statewide body speaking to the specific needs of the emergency food system. • Second, to educate elected officials, their staffs and government departments employees with our “on the ground” insight into the importance of EFAP and TEFAP to continuing our ability to provide to those in need.
Representing WFC Members
How can we best represent the membership of WFC? The answer seems simple -- knowledge, and coordination -- but takes a great deal of time. WFC has an Advocacy Committee which meets on a regular basis to develop strategy. This committee is made up of several individuals including: Robert Coit, current WFC Chair and Director of the Thurston County Food Bank, Kelsey Beck of Food Lifeline, Josh Fogt of Northwest Harvest, Helen McGovern of the Emergency Food Network and Penny Archer of the Moses Lake Food Bank. This year three in particular -- Robert, Kelsey, and Josh -- had a major impact on educating those in Olympia about the needs of emergency food programs and the positive or negative effects of their decisions. Many hours were spent talking with the Governor, the House, the Senate and their staffs; testifying in committee hearings; and speaking with staff from various departments about ramifications of “efficiency moves” impacting EFAP and TEAP and therefore emergency food programs.
New EFAP Home
There were many discussions about a new home for EFAP, including the Department of Social and Health Services as well as the Department of Agriculture. Due in large part to the strong advocacy by the committee and the whole board, a bill worked it’s way through the legislature to move all food programs (EFAP, TEFAP and CSFP) to the State Department of Agriculture. Another option would have been for EFAP to stay in Commerce. One thing is for sure—without the effort of the Washington Food Coalition in Olympia, the future home and viability of this critical program would be uncertain. Boring? We’re talking about $10 million for food banks through EFAP during the next biennium as well as the USDA Commodity Food Program. And, thus far, nobody is talking about reducing funding!
Gratitude Extended
Those of us who dedicate our time to ensuring families and children in need of food and have provided a place they can receive assistance, owe the WFC Advocacy Committee a great deal. Their efforts have helped government folks understand the potential impact of the decisions they make. Without the collaborative efforts coordinated through the WFC, our collective needs, stories and impacts would go gravely unknown and undervalued.
State Budget Woes
This is a volatile time in Olympia with the current budget shortfall of $2.7 billion and the State Treasurer’s office saying the state may run out of cash by September if things don’t improve. The Governor, state legislators, and their respective staffs are searching for ways to increase revenues and cut costs. No programs, from education to public safety, are safe from budget cuts. Two programs -- EFAP and TEFAP -- provide very significant sources of food and money for food bank and congregate meal programs. They are under scrutiny as state government attempts to remain above water. That’s where your Washington Food Coalition plays an essential role.
EFAP and TEFAP in Jeopardy
A position paper was written and approved by the WFC board to clearly state our position on the importance of EFAP and TEFAP to the very existence of emergency food programs, particularly to small and/or rural food banks where funding and food is difficult to obtain. The purpose of position paper is two-fold: • First, to provide you and your colleagues with a way to approach your legislators with a consistent message, helping to brand the Washington Food Coalition for lawmakers as the statewide body speaking to the specific needs of the emergency food system. • Second, to educate elected officials, their staffs and government departments employees with our “on the ground” insight into the importance of EFAP and TEFAP to continuing our ability to provide to those in need.
Representing WFC Members
How can we best represent the membership of WFC? The answer seems simple -- knowledge, and coordination -- but takes a great deal of time. WFC has an Advocacy Committee which meets on a regular basis to develop strategy. This committee is made up of several individuals including: Robert Coit, current WFC Chair and Director of the Thurston County Food Bank, Kelsey Beck of Food Lifeline, Josh Fogt of Northwest Harvest, Helen McGovern of the Emergency Food Network and Penny Archer of the Moses Lake Food Bank. This year three in particular -- Robert, Kelsey, and Josh -- had a major impact on educating those in Olympia about the needs of emergency food programs and the positive or negative effects of their decisions. Many hours were spent talking with the Governor, the House, the Senate and their staffs; testifying in committee hearings; and speaking with staff from various departments about ramifications of “efficiency moves” impacting EFAP and TEAP and therefore emergency food programs.
New EFAP Home
There were many discussions about a new home for EFAP, including the Department of Social and Health Services as well as the Department of Agriculture. Due in large part to the strong advocacy by the committee and the whole board, a bill worked it’s way through the legislature to move all food programs (EFAP, TEFAP and CSFP) to the State Department of Agriculture. Another option would have been for EFAP to stay in Commerce. One thing is for sure—without the effort of the Washington Food Coalition in Olympia, the future home and viability of this critical program would be uncertain. Boring? We’re talking about $10 million for food banks through EFAP during the next biennium as well as the USDA Commodity Food Program. And, thus far, nobody is talking about reducing funding!
Gratitude Extended
Those of us who dedicate our time to ensuring families and children in need of food and have provided a place they can receive assistance, owe the WFC Advocacy Committee a great deal. Their efforts have helped government folks understand the potential impact of the decisions they make. Without the collaborative efforts coordinated through the WFC, our collective needs, stories and impacts would go gravely unknown and undervalued.
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