Deliver Hope and Health to Neighbors Like Ana

I wish you had the chance to meet all the clients served by Food & Friends.

...To see for yourself the impact your gifts make on thousands of children and adults throughout our community.

...To understand the difference a meal and a visit from a volunteer makes to men, women and children dealing with cancer, HIV/AIDS, serious diabetes and other debilitating illnesses.

But I did want to share a note we received from one of our clients, Ana. The note was addressed to us, but it was meant for you. Because you are a partner in our work; YOU are Food & Friends.

Dear Food & Friends,

I wanted to send you my heartfelt appreciation for all that you do. Thank you for helping me during the most difficult time in my life . . .

You were a big part of my healing team and my survival. Your services were crucial to my wellbeing. The responsiveness, kindness and fl

exibility you always showed me warmed my soul. May you continue to thrive. You are a blessing to many.

Love, Ana

Ana included a gift with her note. Will you join her?

Truly, you are the “Friend” in Food & Friends. Thank you once again for your generous and compassionate support.

With warm holiday wishes,

Craig Shniderman
Executive Director

Our Newest Chef Preps for Thanksgiving

Chef Alonna Tuggles moved to the DC area from Rochester, NY last December to work at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. On her daily commute, she saw homeless people along the streets and their image moved her to make a change in her life.

“I want to make a difference. I want to keep cooking. How can I do both?” she asked herself.

That's when Alonna remembered Food & Friends. She had volunteered to do meal delivery with Food & Friends in 2012, and it was an experience she never forgot. She checked in to see if the organization had any openings and luckily for all, Food & Friends was looking for a new chef.

Alonna began her role as opening chef on September 8. She arrives each day at 5:15 a.m. to start preparation of the frozen entrees before moving on to cooking the soup. With the help of the other chefs and a team of volunteers, she creates lunch and dinner for thousands of clients. Variations of the meals are made to support all dietary requirements. To provide a sense of the scope of the task, Alonna recently made 75 gallons of seafood chowder and 65 gallons of ratatouille!

However, daily preparations are small in comparison to the Thanksgiving meal Alonna will be making for the first time this year. “I am going to have to say a prayer before work that day,” she jokes. Led by executive chef Mark Locraft, the Food & Friends team will create 3,500 Thanksgiving meals. The meals will include a turkey, sides and pies - all the delicious dishes of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Thankfully, Alonna will have the support of volunteers, many of whom have some culinary experience, or have volunteered for years and are well-prepared to keep things running smoothly.

What is it like to work in a kitchen that relies on volunteers? “The volunteers want to be here,” Alonna says. “They bring an energy that wakes you up and makes you want to do your own job.”

Thanksgiving is the busiest day at Food & Friends, but Alonna already knows that at the end of it, she will list her role at Food & Friends as one thing she is thankful for this year. “It doesn’t feel like work because of the environment,” Alonna says. “You feel so welcomed in our kitchen. It is definitely ‘food and friends’. It’s such a happy place.”

Pie Sales Coming to a Close: Order While You Still Can!

Thanksgiving is getting closer. Do you know what you’re having for dessert?

If your mind is flooded with images of the season’s staples, freshly baked apple and pumpkin pies, you’re in luck and you’re just in time.

It is the last week to buy pies from Slice of Life before sales close on November 19th. Thousands have already been sold by our dedicated teams and sellers. But, we want to make this year extra special by exceeding our goal of selling 9,000 pies!

Purchasing a pie from Slice of Life doesn’t just make you the favorite at the dinner table come Thanksgiving Day; it really makes a difference in the community. Whether the pie is for yourself, a Food & Friends client, or you just make a donation, you are ensuring that someone with a life-challenging illness is getting healthy, home-delivered meals throughout the year.

Pies are available to be picked up on Tuesday, November 24th, from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Pick up locations are at various CVS/pharmacy storefronts throughout the area. To find the most convenient location, go to http://www.sliceoflifedc.org/locations.cfm.

If you are unable to buy a pie this year, remember that any donation can help Food & Friends' clients year-round. You can make a contribution on the website or over the phone at (202) 269-6896.

Another way to help out is by volunteering at any of the 38 pick-up sites on November 24. There are three shift times to choose from and you will be able to pick the location you prefer. You will receive a Volunteer Training Call before the pick-up date to inform you of your duties and a volunteer t-shirt will be provided. Sign-Up to Volunteer.

We hope you can help us bring joy this holiday season to those who need it the most!

Food & Friends’ Critical Ingredients: Hope and Health

“This one’s a winner,” said SaVanna Wanzer at the end of a recent Food & Friends cooking class.

She is referring to the Maple Walnut Apple Crisp prepared by the group under the guidance of Food & Friends registered dietitians Sarah Muñiz and Jennifer Pasqua. “I definitely plan to make this over the holidays.”

SaVanna says she is at a good place going into this holiday season, stress-free and depression-free. But that has not always been the case. 

A native Washingtonian who has lived with heart problems since she was 16, SaVanna learned she had HIV when she went to donate blood while working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. That was in October 1985.

Rather than telling her in person, they broke the news in a letter that simply said she was not eligible to donate blood and should see a doctor to take an AIDS test. “I was devastated,” she says. As a transgender woman, she also faced rejection by close family members.

She turned to drugs and alcohol as an escape. Today, she is on a much different path, with a focus on addressing her obesity and diabetes with guidance from her Food & Friends dietitian Anna Kinnard.
“Dealing with HIV is tiresome,” says SaVanna. “And rejection by family members can send you into a depression.”

In contrast, at Food & Friends, she is “treated like a member of the family by everyone from the police officer who greets you at the door with a big smile to the nutritionist who gives you a warm hug to fellow clients who meet over cooking classes. Food & Friends provides two critical ingredients: hope and health.” At the end of the day, she says, “they are in the business of saving lives.”

With Anna’s help, SaVanna’s diabetes is under control. She has added vitamins to her diet and is learning to make better choices relating to food.

This Thanksgiving, she is one of 600 clients who will receive a free Food & Friends holiday meal – enough food to serve five people. She plans to share the spread with three transgender youth she mentors. “I want my brothers and sisters to know there is hope after HIV,” she says.

Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish: Butternut Squash & Orzo

Butternut Squash & Orzo is an easy-to-make, delicious side dish full of nutrition. You can easily convert the recipe to a satisfying main dish simply by adding your favorite protein. Or leave out the protein and enjoy this sweet and savory seasonal treat alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

Serving Size

Serves 6, ½ cup orzo and 1 piece of squash per serving

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Pinch ground cayenne pepper
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pinch ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Rinse and cut squash in half. Remove seeds.
• If using fresh rosemary, rinse and chop now.
• Drizzle 1 teaspoon maple syrup over the cut side of each squash half. Sprinkle each with red pepper flakes and cayenne. If using rosemary, add now.
• Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place squash halves on the baking sheet. Roast until squash is tender and pierces easily with a fork, about 30–35 minutes. Remove from oven. Keep squash loosely covered with foil.
• Cook pasta following package directions. Drain in a colander. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add butter, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat well.
• Cut each squash half into thirds. Remove skin from squash. Serve one piece of squash over each portion of pasta.
• If using grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle over squash and orzo now.

Courtesy of cookingmatters.org 

Abbe Levin: Hammin' It Up on Thanksgiving

With a background in theater, it’s no surprise that Abbe Levin is a bit of a ham. Or should we say turkey. For the past several Thanksgivings, she has brought joy to our clients by delivering meals while wearing her signature turkey hat.

Delivering meals “is a beautiful way to spend the holiday,” says Abbe. “People are so genuinely happy to see you and share in the joy of the day. I think of it as reaching out to friends I haven’t met yet.”

A native Washingtonian, Abbe first began delivering meals while working in New York City as an actor. Working with nonprofit organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (a funder of Food & Friends) and God's Love We Deliver, she packed meals into her car to take to older adults, people with HIV/AIDS and others living with chronic illnesses.

Twelve years ago, Abbe moved back to the D.C. to help care for her aging parents, Chuck and Marge Levin, and manage Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center – the family business they founded in 1958. After both parents passed away, she found herself with free time to volunteer on holidays. That is when she connected with Food & Friends, offering to deliver meals over the winter holidays.

“I love doing the food delivery,” says Abbe, who in recent years has been joined by her colleague from the music store, Gloria Williams. “There’s something very calming, very comforting in delivering meals on Thanksgiving,” she says, pointing out that it puts her in a good mood going into the frenzy of Black Friday.

Abbe credits her parents with instilling in their children a philanthropic spirit and genuine compassion for others. “They were the kind of people I aspire to be,” she says.

So was her brother, Robert, who passed away suddenly two years ago at the age of 55 after a short illness. She still remembers the profound statement he made at the end of his life: “I’m so lucky,” she recalls him saying. “I have people to care for me. But what happens to th
ose who aren’t so lucky? What do they do?”

Abbe thinks about that every time she delivers a meal. “Thank goodness for organizations like Food & Friends, who step in and help until a cure is found – or just until…” she says in a voice filled with compassion.

PIE DAY 2015: Stop by Farragut Square on 11/4 for a Bite

FREE LUNCH TIME PIE TASTING FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
Food & Friends to Hold Pie Day in Support of Slice of Life
Wednesday, November 4, 2015

WHAT
Food & Friends will be hosting a community Pie Day in support of its annual Slice of Life Pie Selling Campaign, which funds nutritious, home-delivered meals and groceries to the critically ill in our community, on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Farragut Square. During the event, Food & Friends will be distributing information about Slice of Life and giving away FREE samples of our delicious pies!

Community members will also have the chance to cast their vote for Apple Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie! The winning pie of our "In Pie We Crust" election will go on a flash sale for the remainder of the afternoon. Everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a full Thanksgiving dinner for five plus two pies that are for sale to raise funds to support Food & Friends mission.

WHEN
Wednesday, November 4th from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHERE
Farragut Square, K St. and 17th St. NW, Washington, DC

DETAILS
The 9th Annual Slice of Life Thanksgiving pie sale is a simple and delicious way for members of the public to support Food & Friends’ large-scale effort to deliver 1 million healthy meals this year to those in the community living with life-challenging illnesses. The goal this year is to sell 9,000 pies. Each pie purchased will provide ONE FULL DAY of meals for a Food & Friends client.

Pies may be purchased directly from Food & Friends or through one of our corporate or individual pie sellers. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/pie or text PIE to 51555 to find a directory of pie sellers, to sign up to help sell pies or to purchase pies online. Pie sales close on Thursday, November 19th. Pre-purchased pies can be picked up on Tuesday, November 24th at Food & Friends or more than 30 convenient CVS/pharmacy locations throughout the region.

WHO
The entire downtown DC community is invited to spend their lunch break tasting and voting for their favorite pie!

Living with HIV/AIDS: 30 Thanksgivings Later, Anthony Has Much to Be Grateful For

This month, Anthony Seymore celebrates his 30th Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and given six months to live. He credits Food & Friends’ home-delivered meals with helping him get to this day.

“I need to eat certain foods to stay alive,” he says. “I contacted other organizations, but there were waiting lists and red tape. At Food & Friends, I know what I’m getting and know that it’s good for me – and that gives me peace of mind.”

From his home in Arlington, Virginia, Anthony reflects on that moment three decades ago when a physician delivered the news to the then 25-year-old. “In those days, an HIV/AIDS diagnosis was considered a death sentence,” he says. His family doctor wasn’t helpful. “He told me to go home and pray,” Anthony recalls.

Six months and a day after he got the news, his mother called him. “You’re still alive,” she said.” You’re going to be alright.” With encouragement from his parents, he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in business administration before moving from Richmond to the Washington area. In the District, he worked for 10 years at the U.S Department of the Interior before taking on a series of jobs with national retailers.

The past 30 years have included a number of health challenges, including diabetes, pneumocystis pneumonia (an infection common in people with weakened immune systems) and a ruptured heart valve.

Yet, throughout the years, Food & Friends has been there with home-delivered meals when he needed them. He marvels at how the meals have changed over the years, just as our understanding of nutrition has evolved. In the early days of the disease “the focus was on putting muscle and fat on you, so you wouldn’t waste away,” he says. Originally referred to Food & Friends in the late 1980s by the staff of Whitman-Walker, Anthony recalls deliveries of cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, and fruit juice.

Today, clients are referred to Food & Friends by their physicians for customized meals – designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs – that are both nutritionally balanced and tasty. In Anthony’s case, the meals are heart-healthy and created to address his diabetes. He is especially fond of the chicken with green beans and seafood platter.

Then there’s Thanksgiving dinner – Anthony’s favorite meal going back to his childhood. The Food & Friends delivery brings back fond memories of holidays spent at his grandmother’s – with its roast turkey, collard greens, sweet potatoes and apple pie. The only thing missing, he confesses, is the chitlins. (His doctor has given him permission to add them to the table. But only once a year!)

WATCH: Handmade Pies Baked Just for You!

The world has tried to simplify baking. You can buy a roll of cookie dough, make brownies and cakes from a box, and pies can be whipped up by dumping canned filling into pre-made crust.
These shortcuts are never used at Baguette Republic, an artisan-bakery located in Sterling, Virginia. We are fortunate and excited to have Baguette Republic baking their homemade pies for our Slice of Life pie sale again this Thanksgiving.

Made from the Best

Master Baker and President of Baguette Republic Dahmane Bernarbane is originally from Algeria. He bakes using European techniques and traditions. “We try to do everything the old fashioned way, using the best ingredients.” Bernarbane says.

All five of the pies available this year begin with a crust the bakers make from scratch, prepared by skilled workers, not just machines. Each crust is rolled out, cut and pressed in a pan by hand and the fillings are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Despite the volume of products the bakery makes daily, each creation is made with care and attention to detail.

“There are no preservatives ... no cans. It’s like a pie made by your grandma seventy years ago.” Bernarbane promises.

Be Part of the Cause

Buying one delicious pie can make a huge difference. The purchase of just one pie through Slice of Life is enough to deliver one full day of meals to a Food & Friends client and help to provide a Thanksgiving meal for five. You can be sure that any pie you order through Slice of Life will reflect the love and care put into making it.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure for us to be part of this big Food & Friends adventure by serving the best goods to the Washington DC community. I’m sure you’re going to like it,” Bernarbane says, “because I like it myself.”

What's Thanksgiving Without Pie? Buy, Sell, Donate, Help!

Now in its 9th year, Slice of Life has become a tradition throughout the Washington region. During this holiday season, pie teams and sellers, hundreds of volunteers and the community, will all come together to ensure that our neighbors facing life-challenging illnesses enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.

Slice of Life is a community-based fundraiser that encourages supporters to purchase their holiday pies through Food & Friends. Every pie purchased provides one full day of meals for a Food & Friends client – community members battling HIV/AIDS, cancer or another critical illness. These meals not only provide vital nourishment, but hope and comfort in their time of need. This holiday season, there is really no easier way to make a difference.

ABOUT THE PIE
Baguette Republic, located in Sterling, Virginia, is a traditional wholesale bakery producing a large variety of artisan breads, cookies and pastries using the best European techniques and tradition. We offered their pies to supporters last year and received RAVE reviews! We know their pies will be the perfect addition to your holiday table.

This year, we need your help to make Slice of Life a huge success by selling 9,000 pies - we are offering five delicious flavors: Homemade Apple, Spiced Pumpkin, Oh So Sweet Potato, Southern Pecan and the American Airlines Sky Pie – a chocolate amaretto brownie with almonds and powdered sugar.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Pie Sellers are needed to spread the word about Slice of Life and help sell more than 9,000 pies to support our clients this holiday season. Sellers receive a webpage for collecting sales and donations, tips, email content and graphics for social media. You can sell as an individual or start a team.

Buy a pie, or two, for a Food & Friends client and we'll deliver it with their full holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day. Within the shopping cart, just select "Pies for Food & Friends Clients."

Simply order your pies online, select one of our convenient pick up locations, pick up your pie on Tuesday, November 24th, and enjoy!

More than 2,700 people who face remarkable challenges depend on Food & Friends each day, 6 days a week. Food & Friends' staff and volunteers will deliver more than 1 million meals this year and help bring holiday cheer to those who need it the most. We’re hoping that you will lend your support and a small amount of your time – all you have to do is buy a pie. Place your order at www.foodandfriends.org/pie

Mother & Daughter Volunteer to Honor Late Family Member

Fleur and Carol Bresler find that volunteering is a meaningful way to spend quality time with each other while making a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Their time at Food & Friends is a reminder of how illness touches us all. And, while some volunteers come to Food & Friends without having a direct connection to the mission, Fleur and Carol were drawn to Food & Friends for deeply personal reasons. Fleur’s son and Carol’s brother, Bill, was a Food & Friends volunteer who became a client in the late 1990s. Ultimately, Bill lost his battle to AIDS in 2001.

“We have firsthand experience with Food & Friends because of our son Bill. At the end, they were supplying him with meals,” says Fleur. “During the time, there was a degree of comfort in knowing he was getting nutritional food.”

What started out as a gesture to help Fleur and Carol’s family during a difficult time, has become a longstanding tradition for these two.

“Volunteering makes me feel connected to the community and connected to my brother who is no longer with us,” says Carol.

In 2001, Carol started volunteering on the capital campaign to support the construction of our currently facility. She then joined our Board of Directors in 2001. Both Carol and Fleur took on a regular kitchen shift in 2011.

“I have a long history of volunteering - it is something my generation was taught to do,” says Fleur. “After my husband passed away, we decided to volunteer as a family on Christmas Day to allow others to have that day off. We’ve been volunteering together since then.”

Fleur and Carol regularly volunteer in the kitchen helping to pack meals, chop food and assist with anything the kitchen staff needs. “We don’t ever stand around waiting for another task,” says Fleur. “There is always work to do and there is always a clear appreciation shown by the Food & Friends staff.”

Carol enjoys the camaraderie of volunteering with her mom and feels like she is making a difference.

“There are those who have it worse off than me,” says Carol. “I feel like I am helping to improve people’s lives.”

Both Breslers believe Food & Friends is unique in its approach to caring for those in our community facing life-challenging illnesses as well as their caretakers and family members. “There are still very sick people in our community and it impacts the entire family. There is always more work to do,” says Fleur.

Every Food & Friends volunteer has his/her own story. Fleur and Carol, like the many other volunteers who assist us, may have come to Food & Friends for a specific reason. But they stay because of the happiness they experience being a valued member of the Food & Friends family.

“I feel a degree of satisfaction from volunteering,” says Fleur. “In some small way, I did something to help others. I feel productive and when you are close to 90 years old, that is not easy.”

Building Healthy Habits: 28,000 Diabetic Meals Delivered Already Changing Lives

Food & Friends began with a vision – a vision that connected an unmet need with real possibilities. In the late eighties, the recently discovered AIDS virus was victimizing the country and leaving thousands of District residents helpless to perform everyday tasks -- such as preparing their own meals.

In 2000, we expanded to serve individuals undergoing cancer treatments. And now, we are positioned to help another group of people – those living with high-risk diabetes.

Nearly 1 in 10 District of Columbia residents has been diagnosed with diabetes. That makes diabetes more common than cancer.

Diabetes has a devastating effect on each patient diagnosed – and their families. Untreated diabetes can lead to heart problems, kidney failure, limb amputations and more. This is an urgent crisis in our area and Food & Friends is responding.

Last fall, through a partnership with George Washington University Heart & Vascular Institute and United Medical Center, we launched a pilot program that will provide nutritious meals to people with high-risk diabetes and helps them learn to better manage their disease by making smarter food choices.

“This population is different than our regular population—they aren’t all nutritionally compromised in quite the same way as our other clients when they start service,” says Carrie Stoltzfus, Director of Programs. “But, what they eat has a more direct effect on the ramifications of the illness. When diabetics don’t eat right, over time the chronically high blood sugars can lead to heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.”

Almost 100 clients have enrolled in the program. They are receiving meals tailored to their specific dietary needs, as well as meals for their caretakers and dependents. More than 28,800 meals have been delivered so far and are having a positive effect.

Successfully managing ones diabetes requires a complete lifestyle shift. So, in addition to meals, our registered dietitians are providing personalized nutrition counseling so the participants can learn how to make healthy food choices. They are also performing quarterly nutrition assessments so that we may gauge the impact these services have on the overall health of each participant.

Even though we’ve only just begun this journey, we are already witnessing positive results.

We’ve heard from participants that they feel less fatigued, less depressed and are experiencing fewer side effects. Additionally, some participants feel less scared and worried about their illness, feel less alone and are doing a better job coping with diabetes.

“We’re looking at where the client stands health-wise before they get to Food & Friends, and where they are after receiving our services for a year,” says Carrie. “We’re hoping to make people's lives easier, and have a positive effect on how they live with their illness day to day."

We are very excited about the opportunities the pilot study will provide in the upcoming year. Throughout 2015 and into 2016, we will continue collecting patient health data to measure the impact of healthy eating and nutrition education on individuals facing diabetes.

The full results of the assessments will not be available until next fall. The outcome of the pilot study will be used to determine whether Food & Friends should permanently extend services to those whose primary illness is diabetes.

Welcome Deborah Peeples: New Chief Development Officer

We are thrilled to announce that Deborah Peeples will join the Food & Friends staff on September 1st as our new Chief Development Officer. Deborah will be an important leader of our development team and instrumental in helping to build greater capacity to meet the growing demand for Food & Friends in our community.

Deborah is a results-oriented, creative fundraiser with a proven record helping nonprofit organizations transform their fundraising programs and increase revenue. Deborah has helped national, regional and local nonprofit organizations with capital campaigns, development assessments, annual fund planning, and Board development. In 2008, Deborah was selected as the Outstanding Fund Raising Professional of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Metro DC chapter.

Deborah is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/English at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and her Masters of Arts in Student Personnel Services also at the University of Florida. Deborah was the Vice President, Philanthropy at the Humane Society of the United States, the Executive Director of Iona, a Washington, D.C. non-profit agency serving seniors; President of the Capital Hospice Foundation in Falls Church, and Director of Major and Planned Giving at WETA TV/FM. Additionally, Deborah has experience as an independent fundraising consultant. Deborah is active nationally in advancing the field of development through conference leadership and other professional engagements.

Kenni Delivers: Driving 700 Miles a Week to Serve Our Neighbors in Need

For many, the commute is the worst part of any day. Sitting in traffic for hours on a drive that should only take 30 minutes, all while hoping a good song comes on the radio. Now, imagine spending your entire day in the car, driving all around the city. To some this is a nightmare, but at Food & Friends it’s what our delivery drivers do, Monday thru Saturday, 52 weeks a year.

Kenni Wall, our Delivery Coordinator, has done this for almost 10 years and is just as passionate about his work today as he was on his first day. In fact, Kenni was just honored by the Delivery Department with the Safety, Efficiency & Teamwork Award (SET).

This award is given twice a year to a member of the delivery staff who exemplifies a commitment to safety on the road, works effectively and efficiently, and is an outstanding member of the Food & Friends team. Kenni repeatedly goes above and beyond in his work by volunteering to help with fundraising events after a long day on the road, obeying traffic laws, and picking up extra delivery stops to ensure new clients start receiving meals right away.

Five days a week, Kenni drives more than 700 miles throughout DC, MD, and VA delivering meals to the most vulnerable members of our community. He brings meals to people who are going through chemotherapy and are too weak to prepare meals for themselves and their loved ones, and to people who are experiencing side effects from their HIV medications. It is not an easy task spending this much time alone on the road and witnessing, first-hand, the struggles that our clients endure. But for Kenni, it’s the clients that keep him motivated.

“When you know someone [needs the food], appreciates it, and is happy to see you, that is what keeps me motivated,” said Kenni.

Kenni has seen a lot and has positively impacted the lives of many in our community. A memory that stands out to him is from this last winter. It was a harsh, cold winter and our clients were hit harder than many in the community. One day, along with the meals, Kenni was delivering donated poinsettias.

“I remember delivering to a client who lives in Calvert County, Maryland. When I arrived with the flowers she started crying – she loves having fresh flowers in her home and appreciated the gesture,” says Kenni.

Our clients connect with our drivers as much as our drivers connect with the clients. We receive calls from clients everyday just to say how much they love our delivery drivers. What makes our drivers so special? Compassion.

“You need compassion to look someone in the eye, know they are hurting, and ask ‘how are you feeling?’ and to spare a few minutes of your time to speak with them. That takes compassion and our delivery drivers have that,” said Kenni.

There is no denying that days at Food & Friends can be tough – there are a lot of people who need our help and conditions are not always on our side. Between inclement weather, extreme heat, road closings, and heavy traffic there are a lot of obstacles that can stand in the way of our drivers making successful deliveries. But our staff has a rapport that helps make the tough days a little easier.

“Coming in every morning, seeing everyone laughing and joking is my favorite part about working at Food & Friends. When you come in you know that you are going to have a hard day to tackle and connecting with everyone before heading out on to the road prepares you to tackle those challenges,” said Kenni.

Kenni takes great pride in the work he does every day for Food & Friends. Kenni was raised learning that if you can do anything to help someone less fortunate than yourself you are obligated to do so. This is evident in his tremendous work ethic and good spirit. We are happy to have him as part of the Food & Friends family and we know our clients feel the same way.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Brandon Nichols, Community Relations Associate

URGENT: Group Volunteers Needed in August & September

To fulfill our mission, we rely on more than 10,000 volunteers each year. We are overwhelmed with support in the fall, spring and during the holidays.

But, in August and September, many of our regular volunteers and corporate groups are on vacation, summer youth groups are going back to school and our school groups are just getting settled into the year.

Nearly 50% of those who volunteer at Food & Friends come with a group. So, you can imagine that during this time, we are struggling to fill our needs in the kitchen and on the road. 

WE NEED MORE THAN 200 GROUP VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS! CAN YOU HELP?

Group volunteers work together to get meals out the door, making it an enjoyable and terrific team-building activity for your company, civic or religious organization, or social group.

Here is a sample of the days and times we need help:

AUGUST

Friday, August 7th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 6 People
Wednesday, August 12th | 6:00-8:00pm | Up to 6 People
Monday, August 24th | 6:00-8:00pm | Up to 6 People
Monday, August 31 | 1:00-3:00pm| Up to 6 People

SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 7th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 6 People
Tuesday, September 8th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 9 People
Wednesday, September 9th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 26 People
Wednesday, September 9th | 1:00pm-3:00pm | Up to 8 People
Thursday, September 10th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 16 People
Monday, September 14th | 9:00pm-12:00pm | Up to 8 People
Monday, September 14th | 1:00pm-3:00pm | Up to 8 People
Tuesday, September 15th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 23 People
Tuesday, September 15th | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Up to 6 People
Friday, September 18th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 6 People
Monday, September 21st | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 4 People
Monday, September 21st | 1:00pm-3:00pm | Up to 12 People
Tuesday, September 22nd | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 13 People
Wednesday, September 23rd | 1:00pm-3:00pm | Up to 8 People
Monday, September 28th | 9:00-12:00pm | Up to 26 People
Monday, September 28th | 1:00pm-3:00pm | Up to 12 People
Tuesday, September 29th | 9:00am-12:00pm | Up to 12 People


Please sign up today if your group is interested in getting involved this August and September.

Questions? Contact Beth Stewart. We can’t wait to see you!

"The deliveries were a lifeline"

Cooking for the clients of Food & Friends is more than a job for me – it’s a joy. I have the chance to get to know some of the neighbors we serve – men and women living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses. I’d like to share one of their stories with you.

Meet Sasha. She’s a 29 year-old mom living with HIV. When she started receiving services, she was also pregnant.

Support from people like you help Sasha and her family thrive.

Here’s a letter Sasha sent to us:

I want you all to know how much this service has meant to me and my family. While I was pregnant, it was very difficult for me to go grocery shopping, especially considering that I do not drive. 

The food that was provided helped me to eat well and feed my children. Due to financial difficulties which have been exacerbated by the cost of baby formula, diapers, and other baby necessities, the food deliveries were a needed lifeline.

We are so thankful for all that you have done for us and we know that you will continue to help others just as you have helped us. It is still a difficult time for us but we hope that someday we can offer our support in return.

Thank you all, and be blessed, Sasha

You can help families like Sasha’s across the Greater Washington, DC, area this summer. Support the Summer Food Fund with a much-needed donation today.

With gratitude,

Mark Locraft

Executive Chef

Tips to Staying Hydrated this Summer

As the weather continues to warm up and the sun shines brighter, drinking enough water is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle this summer.

Did you know over half of our body weight is made up of water?

Water is needed to control our body’s temperature, to protect our tissues, joints, and muscles, and to help with blood flow throughout the body. Drinking water contributes to good heart health and overall hydration. Each day, our body loses water through normal body excretions and replenishing this supply of water is critical.

Every person’s body is different so everyone requires different amounts of water to stay hydrated. On average, it is recommended to drink about 6 to 8 eight ounce cups of water per day.

When our bodies do not have enough water, this can be detrimental to our health. Key signs of dehydration include noticeable or extreme thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, decreased performance, nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness and trouble focusing. One important indicator of dehydration is the color of your urine. A dark yellow or orange color may indicate poor hydration. Ideally, if your urine is colorless or light yellow, you are drinking enough water. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends monitoring your urine as a better indicator of your hydration levels than your thirst.

Keeping yourself hydrated can be easy with these simple tips!

Carry a Water Bottle: Consider purchasing a reusable water bottle that you can refill from a water fountain or even your kitchen sink.

Keep Track: If you have trouble remembering to drink water, try drinking at specific times of the day. Having an 8-ounce cup of water at each meal can be a great way to stay hydrated.

Add Some Flavor: If you do not enjoy the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or even cucumber to your drink to add some natural flavor with minimal calories. Drinking water is more beneficial than sugar-sweetened beverages or sports drinks because they often have extra calories and artificial sugars.

Remember each person’s body is different and speak to your doctor or dietitian for how much water you should be consuming. Certain medical conditions include diabetes, heart disease, and even certain medications can also require one to drink even more water than recommended. Enjoy the warm weather as summer approaches, but remember to hydrate yourself throughout the day with these simple tips!


CONTRIBUTED BY: Dana Krimker, Client Services Representative

Dana is the primary liaison to all clients on service and answers our delivery hotline. Dana received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Health Care Ethics.

1. http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html
2. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/nutrients/hydration-why-its-so-important.html
3. http://heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Staying-Hydrated---Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp

From Executive Chef Mark Locraft: Support our Summer Food Fund

I’m usually found preparing nutritious food in Food & Friends’ kitchen. So if this blog post isn’t quite as appealing as our tangy chicken vegetable soup, well . . . I apologize but I had to take a moment to post because I really need your help.

As the Executive Chef at Food & Friends, I am responsible for the team of chefs, dietitians, and volunteers that plan, prepare and cook the nourishing meals we serve to our neighbors in need — breakfast, lunch and dinner, 52 weeks a year for 2,700 clients living with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-challenging illness.

As you can imagine, without unlimited resources, I have to plan meals carefully so I always stay within our budget. This isn’t an easy task. If you’ve shopped for groceries lately, you know how expensive they can be. And during the hottest summer months, I have an additional challenge because our level of financial support and food donations decline. But our clients depend on us regardless of the season. Their effort to stay healthy doesn’t take a vacation.

On behalf of the clients I need to feed this summer, I’m asking you to support our Summer Food Fund campaign and help ensure that I have the necessary financial resources to purchase the thousands of pounds of food for meals to be delivered to our clients over the next few months. Today we are only part of the way toward raising our Summer Food Fund goal of $75,000 to help sustain us throughout the tough, hot summer months. This is where you can help!

Your generous, tax-deductible gift will help us purchase, prepare and deliver the healthy meals and nutritional guidance that our clients rely on day-to-day during a very emotional and financially difficult time in their life. Perhaps even more importantly, each meal will be delivered along with a warm smile and words of encouragement from a friendly face. With your help, these meals will not only be healthy, but will also be satisfying. Being able to serve so many people who need my help is one of the reasons that I enjoy my job so much.

While financial support typically declines during the hottest months of the year, demand for Food & Friends’ services continues to increase. Could you tell someone who is hungry and is suffering from a serious illness that you can’t help them? I can’t. As much as I’m able to economize on food costs and utilize the time and energy of our dedicated volunteers, I can only stretch our food budget so far. Food & Friends needs your help to ensure we don’t have to face our growing demands without adequate financial resources.

Help us reach our Summer Food Fund goal of $75,000, you can make sure we will continue to be there for the men, women and children that depend on our services. With continued advancements in treatments for diseases like HIV/AIDS and cancer, nutritious meals have become an even more important weapon in the fight for better health.

I am honored to be working with YOU to help deliver important nutrition to those in our community living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Your caring support delivers the best and safest meals that we can provide and our clients so desperately need.

And thank you for being there when it counts the most.

Sincerely,

Mark Locraft

Executive Chef

Food & Friends Raises Close to $1.1 Million at the 25th Anniversary Chef’s Best

On Monday, June 15th, 50 of the area’s best chefs served tastings of their signature plates in the ballroom of the Marriott Marquis to raise money for Food & Friends. The chefs were participating in our 25th Anniversary Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction Presented by Friendship Hospital
 for Animals. We proudly honored the Marriott family, Marriott International and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation during the event.

 

Chef’s Best was in a new home this year, the stunning Marquis Ballroom at the brand new Marriott Marquis. 

During the VIP Reception, Board President Mike Bento recognized partners that have supported Food & Friends for over a decade. Peter Glassman, Director of Friendship Hospital for Animals and Debbie Marriott Harrison, Global Officer, Marriott Culture and Business Councils for Marriott International were recognized for their numerous contributions over the years. Also honored was David Hagedorn who started Chef’s Best 25 years ago and helped to build it into one of the best nights of philanthropy in Washington, DC. 

Supporters gave in various ways including a Live Auction with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and trips. Highlights included a trip to Cuba which sold to three different bidders for $10,500 each, a cooking class and lunch with Chef Patrick O’Connell at the Inn at Little Washington which sold for $11,000 and a home-made dinner for 8 by Food & Friends’ Executive Chef which sold for $5,700. An appeal was made to the audience to support Food & Friends’ clients – current and new – facing diabetes. Guests at Chef’s Best gave generously and more than $76,000 was collected.

Celebrity Chef Co-Chair, Jeff Black of Black Restaurant Group, took the stage to thank attendees and make a special announcement. He told a story of visiting Food & Friends’ facility and being so taken with the operation that he asked a simple question; “What would it take for me to pay for the food in this place for one day?” He got the answer and at last night’s event, Jeff Black, with his family and their foundation, donated $35,000 to fund one full day of meals for Food & Friends’ clients.

All proceeds from Chef’s Best will ensure the delivery of specialized meals and personalized nutrition counseling to Food & Friends’ clients living with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses. This year, supporters will help provide more than 1 million meals to more than 2,700 individuals in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. Food & Friends depends on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals and is grateful for the sponsors who have contributed to Chef’s Best.