INSIDE

Reaching People in Need in 2013 Thanks for Meijer Simply Give Campaign Potluck Pals Raised $18,000+ Filling the Food Gap for Our Neighbors Volunteers Needed in Clean Room Meet Our Board of Directors FEBRUARY 2013

Fast Facts

REVITALIZING FOOD SECURITY

It was just a year ago that Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes took up residence in our new home at 901 Portage St. It has been a good year...and a busy one. Weve seen big changes in our warehouse and pantry, and in the life of the organization. On reflection, weve experienced huge changea revitalization of sorts. To revitalize means to give new life or energy to somebody or something. For KLF, the community support that generated the dollars needed for this new facility has indeed created new energy. For all those involved with the organization, the facility itself has changed our lives dramatically. One part of our new life has been simply that people can now find us donors, volunteers, and those in need of food assistance can now meet us at our front door. We have greeted people in need, those who want to help in some way, and those just curious about that new building on the corner of Jackson and Portage Streets. All of these folks bring a new energy to us and our daily work. Another significant area of revitalization is the transformation of our warehouse operations. The lighting, heightened shelving units, truck loading docks and modern refrigeration units have all reinvigorated our operations, allowing us to distribute food in a safer and more efficient environment. The reality of getting our on-site Mary K. Melzer pantry up and running also proved to revitalize us all. It is the 26th Grocery Pantry site within Kalamazoo County and is open four days a week, servicing up to 50 households per day. This addition, along with our broader network of pantries from Richland to Schoolcraft and everywhere inbetween, gives our neighbors and friends broader access and convenient options to the food resources they need. In the end, it is our missionto feed hungry people and engage the community in the fight to end hungerthat is being constantly revitalized. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us that human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable...Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. We know that the struggle to build a hunger-free community is ongoing and were committed for the long haul. Were incredibly grateful to you and this community for your part in this progress as well. Every day, we are one step closer to a food secure Kalamazoo County.

Did you know you can make giving easier all year round by setting up automatic monthly giving through our website? Go to www.kzoolf.org and click the DONATE button or contact Jon Riccio at 488-2617 ext. 206 or jon@kzoolf.org.

Whether you give online or by snail mail, you can receive your gift tax receipt via email. Tell us if youre interested at info@kzoolf.org.

KLF was the recipient of food donations from more than 600 community food drives in 2012 that brought in nearly 120,000 lbs. of food.

CONTINUING TO REACH PEOPLE IN NEED IN 2013

Its been another record-setting year for fighting hunger in Kalamazoo Countyfood for more than 1.4 million meals was provided to 122,823 local people through Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes Grocery Pantry Program. About 40% of those served were children under the age of 18. With a dedicated and growing network of volunteers and agency partners, more local people had access to the food assistance they needed this year than ever before. In particular, KLF reached out to caseworkers to create a system that broadens client access to our programs in ways that are convenient. KLF has worked hard this past year to continue to define our niche as the Countys primary provider of charitable food assistance. By increasing awareness of our services,

more local people were able to obtain a four-day food ma fromvolunt zoo L o order, or the our 9 am eers t aves & equivalent of 12 o gro Need 1 pm staff Fishe meals, for their cer Foo s is . D our yp household. ant d line uties i Call- C seeki ry s n n a f yo This greater ite. nd re clude enter w g Tea ure in T r a g i st ans i n i n er i n availability w eek ext m, p tere . 20 g is g c ering days sted lea to food 9 or se c pro lient i s vid lau onta n join resources ed. at a ra@ ct L i ng our kzo aur helps F olf. a W org inth ood S individuals fill . e r a ec u t 48 rity their gaps between 8 -2 617 paychecks and ultimately meals. Access grew throughout our was Grocery Pantry Program in 2012, with achieved, most of our 26 grocery pantry sites said Art Cole, KLF increasing their capacity to serve services director. more local households. An average Stay connected to the evolution of 484 people were served daily this of our programs and stories from past year, many of which were new households in need of food assistance or unfamiliar clients with the world of via our website and Facebook. food assistance. Its because of KLFs increased engagement with community partners that this incredible level of service

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MEIJER SIMPLY GIVE DONATIONS HELP SECURE NEEDED FOOD ITEMS

Several local Meijer stores once again generously supported Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes through the latest edition of the Simply Give campaign, which concluded on Jan. 5, 2013. This campaign, which debuted in 2008, generates funds for food pantries in areas where Meijer stores are located. Hunger is a growing problem in the community and we are so pleased that the Meijer Simply Give program is able to help our food pantry partners address a critical need, said Meijer spokeswoman Christina Fecher. Shoppers purchase in-store donation cards and add it to their order as theyre checking out. Since October 2012, KLF has received about $15,000 in donations in the form of Meijer gift cards. Weve been putting a portion of those dollars towards securing high-quality fresh fruitlike

apples, pears and grapesand other muchneeded items. Roughly 5,200 lbs. of produce and 360 lbs. of infant formula has been secured from this latest Simply Give campaign, which helps supplement KLFs overall procurement plan. Thanks to Meijer and their More than 800 lbs. of grapes were shoppers who purchased with Meijer gift cards help keep KLFs received through the Simply Give pantries stocked. campaign in October 2012 Keep an eye out for the next Simply Give campaign March 10May 18 at select stores which benefit KLF, or make a direct donation now at www.kzoolf.org, by mail, or in person.

THANK YOU TO WKZO AND POTLUCK PALS

Lori Moore and her potluck pals did an amazing job this year by supporting Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes with $18,359.50 in donations raised through the sale of the Holiday Dish to Pass cookbook. These funds will help support the day-to-day operations of KLF, including the purchase of high-quality food items. Loris theme this yearlocal Michigan recipeshit home for KLF, since much of our fresh food supply comes Staff from Hardings Friendly Market and WKZO present from local sources the days proceeds to KLF Executive Director, Anne Wend including family farms, Lipsey at the grand finale sale on Dec. 14, 2012 markets, gardens and nearby stores. Local partners, like WKZO, Lori Grocery Pantry Program during the holidays, when kids Moore and Hardings Friendly Market, have been fighting are home from school and family meals are so important. hunger with us for decades and we are so grateful for Every $5 donation generated through the cookbook their continued partnership. KLF relies on end-of-the-year sales will allow us to keep getting food into the hands of annual events, like the Holiday Dish to Pass cookbook sale, hungry people in Kalamazoo County. Thank you, Potluck to support our programs. Pals, for supporting food security in our community. Support generated from the Potluck Pals cookbook sales comes at such a critical time. Were providing food assistance to upwards of 500 people per day through our

WE NEED YOU TO HELP FILL THE FOOD GAP

Thanks to your support, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is working hard to shorten the gap between missed meals for thousands of local people every week. Were aiming to raise $300,000 through our Filling the Food Gap annual campaign to help create a stronger food security safety net for Kalamazo County. Many local households struggle to keep enough food on the table due to unemployment, a medical crisis or a lack of adequate resources to obtain nutritious food each and every day. Your support helps make difficult days easier for our neighbors by ensuring one of their basic needs is met. To help fill the food gap for local households, you can give in a variety of convenient ways: online at www.kzoolf.org/donate by mail to 901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or in person weekdays from 8 am3:30 pm Thank you to those who have already contributed and helped fill the gap between missed meals for local people in our community. We appreciate your continued support. Visit our website for updates on the campaign and our efforts in fighting hunger locally.

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Join the Loaves & Fishes Team

Interested in helping Kalamazoo become a hunger-free community? Weve got a place for you! Attend an orientation meeting to get started. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES: Saturday, February 9 Thursday, February 28 Saturday, March 9 Thursday, March 28 Sign up with our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Winther: 269/488-2617, ext. 209 laura@kzoolf.org

SEEKING VOLUNTEER GROUPS FOR CLEAN ROOM

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity for your co-workers or social group? Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has openings for groups of up to five people in our clean rooma designated sanitary space where bulk food is repackaged into individual size bags. This area allows KLF to utilize foods procured in bulk amounts and means we can get more of this type of food into the community. Shifts are available Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Duties may include sorting dry pasta, fresh produce or loose nuts into manageable size bags that households can easily access. To sign up, please contact Laura Winther at laura@kzoolf.org or 488-2617 ext. 209. Interested in helping out but arent part of a group? We also have openings for individuals for weekly shifts. If youre an existing volunteer, contact Laura for days and times. If youre not yet a volunteer, see the orientation dates to the left and lets get started!

Tributes Make an Impact!

Many gifts to KLF are inspired by a special person. These gifts help strengthen the food security of our community. To make your next gift a tribute, simply include the honorees name and contact information with your next donation. Please contact Jon Riccio at jon@kzoolf.org or 488-2617 ext. 206 if you believe a name was omitted from this list. Visit the next page to view a list of who received a gift in their name between 11/1/2012 and 12/31/2012.

FOOD WISH LIST

February: March:
Rice (bag or box)

KLF February GivinG Coupon

FEBRUARY 2013 COUPON #115
AMOUNT $ _______________ I wish to remain anonymous. A household thats full with food makes a community thats full with life. Your gift will make Kalamazoo a more food secure community. Please send your contribution by February 25.

Canned fruit Foods high in protein (6 grams or more) are always needed in our warehouse, too.

KLF MarCh GivinG Coupon

MARCH

2013

AMOUNT $ _______________

I wish to remain anonymous.

COUPON #116

We depend on community support to keep food on the shelves for those whose shelves are empty. Your gift will help those most in need. Please send your contribution by March 25.

Thank you for being an inspiration to those who gave a tribute gift this holiday season!
Fitzgerald Kathy & Rick Kinas IN HONOR OF Christine Flagler & Jim Marvin King Dale Alkema Ishida Marlena Kirton The Alkema Family Tom & Jean Foghino Sallie Kittredge Roger & Sarah Allen Jann & Michelle Forrest Tom & Jodi Klobucar Janet Andersens Linda Fox The Klott, Engels & Friends & Family Mrs. Margaret Franklin Gershaw Families Thom Andrews Myron Kollen Frank Arcangeli, DDS Kevin & Mindi Freng Terry Gallagher Jean Krueger Lora Armstrong Sharon Kruithof Dave Barnetts Family Marlin Gerber Carol Gilbert Ladies Library Gordon & Andrea Goodwill Management Association & Barrows Team President Lois Dr. Ken Beadling Randy & Polly Graham Richmond BIA Michigan Sheila & Gary Bigelow Bev & Geoff Grambau Jeff Laing Scott & Debbie Grosse Sharon Lamsons Louella Bing Marv & Catherine Birthday Bob & Linda Black Grostic Kerri Lepley Jessica Black John & Kay Haas Faye Line Priscilla Blair Dave & Nadia Habecker Anne Wend Lipsey Jennifer Bobers The Haber Family Marin & Sidsel Loeffler Birthday Nancy Hamilton The LOL Lunch Group Pastor Peggy Boltz Dr. Edward Harkenrider Katie & Scott Art & Gerry Vander Longstreth-Tokstad Bors 65th Wedding Tom Small & Ruth Harring Dave & Georgia Anniversary Dan Harrison Lundquist Nayt Boyt Cyndy Lyon Carol & Gregg Bradley Betty Hawk Corrie W. & Jon O. at Alyssa Mammen Don & Mary Brown HCMW Karen & Peter Maas Tom & Deloris Bubin The Macatawa Gang Fraser Jones & Joanne Phyllis Hepp Ron & Donna Holmes Ed Manning Bush Neighbors Reverend Jill McAllister Dr. James Carter Sean McCann Michael, Natalie, Anna, Gayle & Garrett Hoogstraten Cathy & Mike McCarthy Jack & Emile Chiles Roy & Sandy Howard Jim & Ellen McDonald Christ our Lord Mike, Elizabeth & Clark Bob Hunt & Jan Kline- Michele McLaughlin Hunt Renee McParlan Christensen Jack & Selma Comstock Mr. & Mrs. Clark Hurlbert Gil McWethy Kathleen Izenbaard Peter & Maureen Mrs. Cherri Corning Rev. Richard Jackson McWethy Pam & Al Cox James Jasiak & his Staff Emily Mickley Monique Y. Coyne The Jamieson Familys David & Michelle Bruce & Donna Grandchildren Murphy Cunningham Peg Cunningham & Jane The Staff at John Post Thomas Myers Landscaping Retirement Crosby Arnie & Debby Johnston Thom Neal Martha & Tom Kalamazoo Endoscopy Mr. & Mrs. A.W. Neff Daufenbach Center Physicians Nora Faires & the Yvonne Davis & Staff Smallmouth Band Barbara & Harrie Day The Noricks & Isgrigg Vicki & Dale Dintaman The Board, Staff & Volunteers at Families Kim Doherty Kalamazoo Loaves & Helen Norris Dr. Phillip Doyle Fishes McKenna Northrop Steve & Marianne Kalamazoo Public Father James OLeary Dragicevich Schools Curriculum The Oliver Family Dr. Jesse Duranceau Writers Dr. Roy & Priscilla Olton Deborah Dyke Kalamazoo Public Marianne Orr Bill & Nell Dykhuis Schools Reading The Ort Family Eaton Corporation Coaches & Literacy Ann & Don Parfet Volunteers Interventionists Betty Parkhurst Tom & Nancy Edmonds Kalamazoo Public Brian & Johanna Paul Tucky & Chuck Elliot Nancy & Joe Engemann Schools Teaching & Mark & Sharon Paul Learning Services Pavilion Potluck Friends Jill Engles Birthday Sr. Anne Paye, RSM James & Virginia Falahee The Kasab Family Pat Kasdorf Ardis Pierce & Wayne First Congregational Robert Keller Looney Church Dawne Kennedy Bill Pierce Monsignor William Mr. & Mrs. James Pohl Lara VanVlack-Ailes John P. Flynn Jeff Ply The Puvogels Jim & Janet Voss Chuck Ford Gerald L. Pochyla Grandchildren Haley, Barbara Wagner Mary Forrester Janice Radtke Kelsey & Jeffrey Jackie Wahl Paul Frenthway Ann Raup Jerry Radabaugh Weekend Food Pack Lorna Gibson Dave Redmond Dylan & Jordan Ramber- Volunteers James E. Goole F.L. Reed Jach Joel & Cindy Welchs Janice L. Goole Jim Reish Dick & Rita Raynes Marriage Dora Gressley Jessica Renauld Robert & Kathleen Re Sally Wells Stephen & Alice Groshko Oswald & Alvina Martha A. Ream Michael, Stephanie & Ramon Hamilton Renauld The Reeves Clan Paul White Herman, Rose & Jack Brian Rife Sid & Sandy Rhind Mike & Sue Williams Fisher Jim Rinker Richland Red Hats Eugene Wood Dr. Clayton Holaday Fred & Ardis Robinson Karis & Mark Robbins Mike Wunderlin John C. & Mary Jane Edward Rogers Steve Rochows Family Liz Yoon & Lys Buck Howard Roseann Ronnebaum Hank & Joan Rohs Dr. Larry Youse, DDS Miriam Hughes John Ross Kristy Roth Lawrence & Raye Zirings Barbara Hutchison Toni Rostami Judy Ruiter 50th Wedding Marie E. Iagnocco Frances Russell Linda Rus Anniversary Marcia Jackson Kirk Ryder Beth Russel Raye Zirings Birthday Grace Johnson Robert Ryder Frank Sardone & Susan Harvey Johnson Eugene Rykse IN MEMORY OF Judy Johnson Fall Timothy Schau Yetta Ackerson Cynthia & Mark David Johnston Anastasia Schauer Mark Angelocci Schauers Family Robert Johnson Marilyn Scheel Robert L. Asher, Sr. Staff at Schoolcraft Reggie Jones Dr. Peter Schmitt Dennis & Fern Bacon Robert B. Jones Middle School Martin & Emma Schmitt Justin Bailey Kathy Schultz Pete Kakabaker Jean Schrader Jack & Gloria Shearer Joe & Mary Balint Claudia Klein Louise Schreiber Kinsey Beck John Shelly Thomas & Jodi Klobucar Tim Shay Robert Beck Jennifer Shoub Marguerite Kolb Foster L. Sherwood, Jr. John N. Drolen & Sinnie Terry Kuseske Christopher & Kim James & Esther Shiley Berghuis-Drolen Sieklucki Joe Kusic Joani Siwik James & Susan Sieklucki Dr. Tom Berglund Dara Kwiatkowski Jeanne Sletten Suzanne Marie Beurman Dr. Niranjan Lal Victor Siemers Ilze I. Smidchens Sheila Joan Bishop Sisters of St. Joseph Lance Lambert Joe Soda Roger Booth Christine Siwiks Darlene Lauth Alice & Ivan Souden Morris & Wilma Bos Birthday Jim Lawrence Henrietta Lena Sportel Marian Brail Ed Siwik Dominic (Dic) & Nadia Irma Stanhope Patrecia Breen Pam Siwiks Birthday Leonardelli LaVerne Bishop Stanley Dr. Lan H.P. Bui Linda Slack William D. Lorentz Edgar C. & Teresa H. Raymond Carlisle Aaron, Kara, Kelly & Violet Lotz Stewart Rena Carlsen Morgan Smith Maxine Louden Marie Stoline Maggie Carroll Mike & Frieda Smith Charles Ludlow Doug & Marie Renauld Lewis Chapin Roger Snow Linda Renauld Lutz Stone Richard Christian The Spengler Family Arlene MacIsaac Stephen Suhr John Cleasby Dirk & Patty Steinert Etrole Jackie Marcon Suds Sumney Gene Clysdale Katie Stenens Paul & Mildred Matyas Don Swanson Patricia Coleman Dr. Daniel Stewart Robert Medema Jim Swanson David A. Collins Joyce Stewart Mike Meyers Carol Marcon Tiller Dr. Lavern H. Stillwell & Robert Copps Jeff Milan Susan Tinklenberg Tom Crooks Lyda Stillwell Anthony & Anne Miller John Tobias Olga Dacoba The Stohrer Family Robert A. Miller Al & Geri Vickery Dennis Deneau Christmas Harry & Dorothy Miner Mr. Jan Visser Harold DeYoung Eleanor Van Streain Kathy Mizeur Roon Visser Everett C. Dill John Taylor Olive Mohney Lyle & Eunice Vogt James Dillon, Sr. Temple BNai Israel Barbara Muir Stanley Weinberg Joseph Dillon Ruth & Bill Thornley Zella Muscott Jane Welborn Cheryl Throgmorton Lucille Dillon Robert Myers Welford & Juanita Ken Dingman Reverends Howie & Verne Nelson Wilson Hub & Bobbi Doerfler Bob & Margaret Newton Don & Ruth Wisser Betsy Tobak The Tuesday Bridge Club Janyce Dudash Donna Nichols Howard Wolpe Rod Ernest Camille Turpel Marilyn Nyce Fred Wolter Alan Everts Kay Van Dis Jaimie Oorbeck Johanna Yzenbaard Robert Ewert Sandra VandenBerg Thomas Oorbeck Helmut Karl Zeil Jeanne Maltby Jim & Sandy Frank Ossiff, Jr. Fahrenbach VanderRoests David Park James Ferguson Birthdays Jean Peterson

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID KALAMAZOO MI PERMIT NO. 1693

901 PORTAGE STREET KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005 FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663 P 269/488-2617 F 269/343-3669 WWW.KZOOLF.ORG

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.

Our Mission

Our Values
Compassion Respect Justice Integrity Advocacy

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is led by a Board of Directors made up of community leaders who embrace and forward the agency mission to fight hunger in our community. KLF is lucky to have the support of this team who brings their talents to our work in fighting hunger. The KLF board acts as a policy-making body and guides the organizations stewardship of resources, including food, funds and volunteer time. As we venture into 2013 with our new Board of Directors, were also saying goodbye to Maija Peterson, former board secretary, and Lynn Jessel, former board treasurer, whose terms ended in December 2012. Were so thankful for their time, passion and dedication to enhancing the food security infrastructure for Kalamazoo County.

KLFs 2012/13 Board of Directors includes: Jack AbateMiller-Davis Patricia CarlinKalamazoo Public Schools HJ DuBruleKellogg-retired Bob EzelleBoys & Girls Club Alan HarbaughAttorney at Law Mike HendersonPfizer-retired Cheryl KnappBronson Healthcare Group Robert LohrmannAttorney-retired Karen McPhailStryker Instruments Harvey MyersPfizer-retired Helen NorrisCommunity Volunteer Stacey RandolphKalamazoo Department of Public Safety Martha ReamCPA Martha SimpsonPfizer-retired Jan TideringtonWestern Michigan University-retired

Connect With Us:

www.facebook.com/ KalamazooLoavesAndFishes www.twitter.com/ KzoLoavesFishes

Staff / Business Office

269/488-2617 Joan Atwell, Call Center Lead Paul Bushek, Warehouse Assistant Art Cole, Services Director Bob Dekker, Warehouse Assistant Pat Early, Warehouse Assistant George Geissel, Bookkeeper Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director Dave Hafer, Warehouse Assistant EXT. 201 211 207 211 211 222 212 211

Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director Mary Hutchins, Warehouse Coordinator Jennifer Johnson, Resource Dev. & Public Relations Director Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator Marvin King, Warehouse Director Anne Wend Lipsey, Executive Director Ruth Matteson, Call Center Lead Jon Riccio, Donor Database Coordinator Kimberly Schoetzow, Communications Coordinator Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator Laura Winther, Volunteer Coordinator

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