Blog I wrote about Hunger and Foodlink, it is on Blogger and WordPress as well as MySpace

Hunger is a prevalent and ever-present spectre in the world. It does not take a vacation, is not discriminatory, does not care about circumstances. It stalks and takes a toll on the young, the middle-aged, the elderly, the poor and the middle of the road (sometimes called the working poor) Even those who may consider themselves to be comfortable in life and never in need, could find themselves having problems and suddenly needing services that they have not in the past considered. Hunger does not respect us, it haunts us and leaves lasting scars, it can damage lives in many ways. No matter your race, religion, position in life, male or female; you can always come up short and in need.

The economy is slow; Food Pantries, Church Kitchens and other state and local service agencies are seeing quite a large jump in needy families and in those individuals that for whatever reason are no longer working - either temporarily or permanently.

Foodlink, a Rochester based foodbank (The only one of its kind in NY State)and provider of services and goods to these agencies, is trying to raise awareness of this ever-growing need. They are headquartered in Rochester, but partner with Feeding America and 550 state and local agencies to collect and distribute food and goods over a 10 county area.

I recently toured their current location on Exchange St and found it to be quite an extensive and well-organized agency with a simple plan that takes care of individuals and families by treating hunger as not only a problem for one but for all. Tom Ferraro, CEO and founder of the Foodbank wanted to take care of the root problems of the community as a whole, not to just bandaid the small hurt and hope for it to heal itself. Hunger is a symtom of a larger problem that can be helped with Education, Encouragement and Empowerment. Nourishing the community by feeding its people.

They collect 10,000,000 pounds of food per year. Some of the local Stores, Markets, Growers and Manufacturers that contribute to this amount are: Wegman's, Sam's Club, Motts, Barilla, Helluva Good, Kraft, USDA, Venison Coalition, Freshwise Farms and Bejo Feeds. There are more currently than are listed here and Foodlink is in talks to add others in the future. Through a program of rescuing (irregular packaged or minorly damaged that would otherwise be waste), and composting, most of what is collected gets used by either a consumer or for farming and growing fresh produce.

Collection, sorting, packaging and distribution are done in a large 4 story warehouse setting with a small freight elevator (One of the reasons that they are relocating to the former Pepsi Bottling Plant off of Joseph Ave - It is one floor). They have several steps including a first sort into usable and non usable items, those that are non usable are either discarded or set aside for composting. The usables are taken into a second sort where they are categorized, then to a Fulfillment Center, a "store" of sorts, and distributed out to providers that are members of the Foodlink Family. They also receive donations of paper products and other irregular goods that are then distributed to agencies that give them out to those that need them.

The education component includes Freshwise Catering in Greece and Charlotte, Freshwise Farms - a hydroponic and open farm that you can go and see in Penfield, "Kids Cafe" and "BackPack" programs that provide healthy choices for kids in need or out on summer break from school.

A large percentage of the families and individuals served in the communities are children or include children. Holidays see a rise in donations and everyone is in a giving mood, but summers when those children are away from school breakfast and lunch programs is a very important time to remember to donate to Foodlink. They are always in need of core items: Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Mac and Cheese, Jams and Jellies, Pasta and Tomato Products , Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables - as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Check Out Hunger campaign is currently starting and will run through the end of November. It is not much to do, simply say yes to a 2,3 or 5 dollar donation coupon when the cashier at Wegman's or ">PriceRite asks you. There will also be a Food For Families Drive in December. You can find Foodlink at the referened link here. Foodlink Foodbank to donate or volunteer - John Baldanza is the Volunteer Coordinator. They have many opportunities to donate food, time, or talents to the best cause in the world - giving healthy food to those who need it.

I want to thank Maria Oberst, Foodlink's Community Relations Manager, for the very insightful and thought-provoking tour that I and other members of the Forge Faction went on. (We are playing Picture The Impossible - an ARG community based game for charity - Community based ARG game for charity.) and Foodlink is our chosen charity.

PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Miccilina M Piraino, Blogger, Writer, Community Member