FOOD{IN}SECURITY: What each of us “CanDo” to FIGHT HUNGER IN THE VALLEY this spring 50 www. n A PAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine . com Find out more about Napa Valley CanDo at www.NVCanDo.org or email NVCanDo@gmail.com, or call 707.252.7743 by hilary zunin How can it be that even a single child or elder goes to bed hungry in the United States? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 16 million American children struggled with hunger at some time last year, most of them in families who live in poverty. These children are sick more often, recover more slowly, and are more likely than their well-nourished peers to be hospitalized. Insufficient nourishment impairs the ability of children to concentrate and focus. As a result, they often have significantly higher levels of behavioral and academic problems. Ironically, in a nation where childhood obesity is rampant, lack of nutritious food and reliance on cheap sugars and starches makes kids facing hunger more susceptible to obesity and its related consequences. Older Americans are at risk, too. The American Association of Retired Persons reports that “nearly nine million Americans 50+ are at risk for hunger every day—a staggering 79 percent increase in just ten years.” Last year, in the heart of a community famous for abundance and culinary wonders, the Napa Valley Food Bank provided nourishing food to more than 11,000 individuals, over half of whom were children and seniors. They did this through six emergency pantry locations, a Senior Brown Bag program, and bulk goods made available for distribution through local nonprofits to serve their clients. All this with a full-time staff of only five and a committed crew of over 160 volunteers. Annual drives sponsored by the Boy Scouts and Postal Carriers bring in donations of canned and dry goods from generous Valley residents, and ubiquitous barrels during the holidays fill with donations as well. But hunger never takes a holiday. We need to do more. Even before we chose our name, Lisa Seran and the initial group of CanDo volunteers designed what we call our 10-10-10 Drive. In four years, we’ve collected tons of food for the Napa Valley Food Bank. But another essential piece involves bringing in cash, and to date CanDo has raised over $36,000. Why is cash so important? Working with a group of Northern California food banks, Shirley King, the Napa Food Bank’s executive director, is able to work magic. She stretches each donated dollar to purchase staple food items at cost. Oranges can be purchased for as little as eight cents per pound. Other nutrient-dense seasonal vegetables, like broccoli and sweet potatoes, can be had for 24 cents per pound. The cash is needed, too, for non-food items critical to the work of the Food Bank. A faltering economy has meant that large funders have decreased their contributions, and although operating costs like gas, insurance and rent are on the rise, many grants are restricted to funding for food only. Five vehicles transport food the length of the Valley. Fuel costs are currently $1,800 per month. Warehouse rent goes up 5% annually. This year CanDo’s 10-10-10 Drive runs March 12-April 9 The dates have been carefully coordinated with the Food Bank to help fill a gap between holiday giving and the Postal Carriers’ drive later this spring. The success of this campaign is its simplicity. Here’s all you need to do: 1. Write a check for $10 (or any amount) payable to the N apa Food Bank. It’s tax-deductible. Send your donation to Napa Valley CanDo, P.O. Box 855, Napa, CA 94559 2. Donate 10 items of non-perishable food at one of our drop-off locations. Go to CanDo’s website for a list of locations (www.NVCanDO.org). 3. Spread the word to 10 colleagues, neighbors, family and friends. You can print a copy of this article or email a downloadable version from CanDo’s website. Sharing the 10-10-10 story is vital to the drive’s success. Napa Valley CanDo is all about community. Last year two-thirds of 10-10-10 Drive contributors were locals and visitors outside of CanDo. We’re such a generous group of people in this valley. None of our neighbors should go hungry. Let’s demonstrate the CanDo spirit as we spring into action. Hilary Zunin is co-founder of Napa Valley CanDo, a grassroots community service organization.
NVLife_MarApr_2013
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