Before summer officially ends, we want to share some of the locavore, organic goodness that’s been on the Food Bank menu this season. Our goal is to do more than simply hand out bags of groceries; it’s about constantly finding new ways for people to have access to fresh, local food. It’s also about keeping our partnerships and volunteers connected and happy so we can continue to serve our clients to the best of our ability.
Market Vouchers Program
The Polack Food Bank and Seattle Farmers Markets teamed up to offer clients the opportunity to shop local this summer. The Farmers Market Voucher Program gave participants $10/week to spend at the Farmers Market. When combined with the Fresh Bucks incentive, participants have up to $30 a week to buy fresh, local produce.
Additional support for this program included cooking classes and recipes. JFS will also continue to partner with the Broadway Farmers Market gleaning program through the end of the season. Read more on that program here.
We say goodbye to our TIPS Summer Intern!
TIPS is a non-profit organization that provides teens with the opportunity to work in a service-oriented field and compensates them for what typically would be unpaid volunteer work. At the same time, it provides non-profits with bright and energetic high school students to fill workforce gaps.
Every year, more than 500 teens in Seattle apply for this program and only about 10% will be selected for an internship. JFS was lucky enough to have Jacob as our Summer 2014 TIPS Intern.
“My experience here at JFS has been amazing with the different faces I get to meet each day. Just to know that I’m helping many families and individuals that are struggling to get by each day is a warm feeling,” he says. “But on the other hand, my time here in the Food Bank has also made me really appreciative of the things I do have. I realize now there is always someone battling bigger problems than your own.”
Jacob will be departing for Western Washington University to study Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing Engineering. We wish him luck on his new endeavors!
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Luncheon.
