Expanding Services in Shady Grove

Food & Friends has served Montgomery County for many years. Last year, we provided about 115,000 meals to 344 residents.

We know that many more people are in need of Food & Friends’ services and we always have our eye on how to care for more children and adults. The fastest population growth in Montgomery County is outside the Beltway. We’ve been looking at this and have decided we should further expand our care to patients served by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital located in Rockville, Maryland.

Shady Grove is a big facility and has expanded its programs in recent years serving the rapidly growing upcounty and outside the Beltway residents. The Hospital includes a growing Comprehensive Cancer Program which will increase the number of referrals we receive from Shady Grove. We expect to add about 100 Shady Grove patients plus family members during 2013 providing these clients with 55,000 meals as well as nutrition counseling.

While Montgomery County, taken altogether, is relatively affluent, this is not true for most of the residents we care for. Fifty-seven percent of our County clients have household incomes of less than $2,000 a month. In Montgomery County, as elsewhere, we know that low-income residents often face difficult choices in meeting basic needs for nutritious food versus obtaining medical care and otherwise live on very tight budgets.

Our intention is to increasingly care for a broad range of our neighbors facing critical health challenges without limitation as to specific illnesses. In no way will we diminish our services to patients living with HIV/AIDS in Montgomery County or anywhere in Greater Washington.

All of this is important because after almost 25 years, Food & Friends remains the sole provider of home-delivered and medically-oriented nutrition services. Understanding that this work rests on us alone, we must always be working to provide for more residents. Just as we are attentive to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the individuals and families facing a range of profound illnesses count on us.

We have great working relationships with health professionals in the Montgomery County Government and with many other suburban referral partners. We’re looking forward to this expansion. I might add that Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett is supportive of our work. We are hopeful that the State of Maryland will soon increase our funding so as to partner with us in this and other expanded service in Maryland.

In subsequent blogs, I’ll share with you some of our plans for other jurisdictions. You can count on Food & Friends to continue our expansion so as to reach a growing number of critically-ill residents –our neighbors.

Always your friend,

Craig Shniderman
Executive Director



Craig Shniderman has led Food & Friends as the Executive Director since April 1995. He is a native of the Washington area and has lived and worked in Greater Washington for almost his entire career.

My Mother No Longer Needs Your Service

Today, a member of our Client Services Staff, received a heart-warming email from the son of a client and we had to share it with you:

I wanted to let you know that my mother will no longer be needing your food delivery service. Fortunately, my mom is doing much better since she finished chemo and she is capable of cooking and taking charge of her nutrition. 

Your food deliveries have been a great help to us and we think your organization provides a great service. However, I hope we will not need the services again, if you know what I mean.

Thank You ... I look forward to donating as part of our CFC campaign at work.

Your support makes successful stories like these possible. And, you can continue to offer your support by participating in your offices' CFC or United Way Campaign.

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is right around the corner! It occurs annually from September 15th to October 15th. During this time many people come together to celebrate the history, culture and ancestors who have made contributions to the United States.

September 15th is important to many cultures as it is Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. September 16th and September 18th are Independence Days for Mexico and Chile.  According to the 2010 Census, there are approximately 52 million Hispanics living in the United States, which makes the Hispanic population the largest ethic group in the United States. Therefore, it’s important that we understand their history, the contributions made by Hispanic or Latino Americans and experience their flavorful food culture!

One’s cultural background is often defined by different recipes, techniques and the way food is served. During Hispanic Heritage Month, popular dishes such as moles, tamales, ceviche, empanadas, tortas and lechon asado will be celebrated.

In honor of this month and the children and adults whom Food & Friends serves, here is a healthy, traditional recipe you can prepare and share with your family and friends.

Island Red Beans (Habichuelas Coloradas Grandes)

Ingredients (Makes 2 Cups)

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup tomato sauce

4 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 Poblano Chile peppers, diced

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ cups cilantro, chopped

1-3 cups water

4 15 ounce cans of kidney beans

1 cup of rice, cooked

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add garlic, Chile peppers, onion, and cilantro. Cook until the onion is softened, 3-4 minutes.

Add beans, tomato sauce, oregano, pepper and stir in 1-3 cups of water. Bring to a boil; turn down the heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with rice and sprinkle cilantro for garnish.

Recipe adapted from http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/island_red_beans_habichuelas_coloradas_grandes.html

You can find some great activities celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, DC by visiting hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about. Enjoy the music, arts and crafts, food and much more!

Mavis Ren is a University of Maryland, College Park dietetic intern. She is originally from New York City and spent a few weeks at Food & Friends learning about the important role of the dietitians play in ensuring the continued health of our clients.

It's Been a Rough Road for Our Clients and Our Vans

Recently, some of our clients were expecting to receive their meals, but the delivery driver didn't arrive.

It wasn't because the meals hadn't been prepared, or that the driver forgot them when he loaded the van, it was because the van broke down due to the wear and tear of traveling 135 miles a day over the last 10 years.

Thankfully, a staff member was able to deliver the meals later that day but I'm not sure about the next time. Your gift today can help add a new van to our fleet.

Our 7-person delivery team drives 1,356 miles a day. Today, we have four vans in need of repairs which means fewer vehicles on the road providing clients with the food they need to manage their illness.

Your gift is urgently needed to help cover the $55,360 purchase of a new refrigerated van and ensure meal deliveries to all of those who need and rely on our service.

Now, here is the good news; a generous donor has agreed to match contributions for a new van with a gift of $25,000.

So, I really need your help. Your steadfast commitment means that when the call comes from whoever is in need we are ready to make the next delivery. I’m counting on you. But most importantly, so are our clients.

Together, we can make a difference,

Craig Shniderman
Executive Director, Food & Friends

P.S. Please donate today to help purchase a much-needed refrigerated van and to help provide specialized meals to those in our community living with life-challenging illnesses. Please don’t wait to have your gift matched! I can’t stress enough how much your support can help.

More than Food & Friends, but Family

Your Support Helped Two Sisters Celebrate Life Despite Cancer.

A cancer diagnosis can have a profound effect on a person, especially when it’s your sister who is diagnosed. When a family member faces cancer, other family members often take on new responsibilities while coping with the added stress. Nothing prepared Barbara Ramundo for the journey she would take as she became the primary caregiver for her sister Sue, who battled pancreatic cancer last year.

In addition to working full-time, Barbara helped Sue with her medications, doctor’s appointments, laundry, grocery shopping, bills, her dog, cooking and an abundance of household chores. Barbara wanted to be there for her sister but these new responsibilities quickly became overwhelming.

When friends asked what they could do, Barbara always requested a homecooked meal. “I do not think people realize how much of a difference one meal makes,” says Barbara. Barbara was thankful for the large support network she had but soon realized that there is only so much her friends could do. “We were lucky to have support from loved ones but they can’t be there for you all the time.” So she decided to look for additional support – for her sister, herself and the rest of her family.

Within a few days of talking with Sue’s doctor about Food & Friends, they began receiving home-delivered meals. These fresh, healthy meals made Barbara and Sue’s days more manageable and less stressful.

“People take for granted how much time and effort goes into thinking about and cooking food,” says Barbara. “Food & Friends changed our lives.”

Food & Friends’ services not only alleviated stress but allowed Barbara to spend more quality time with her loving, funny and hardworking sister.

A few weeks before Sue passed away, Food & Friends delivered a decorated cake to celebrate her 61st birthday. “We were able to celebrate her life in those last days,” expresses Barbara. “Little things like a cooked meal and cake made the end of her life better and added a level of comfort to our lives.”

“We miss her humor a lot,” says Barbara. “Having these meals delivered to us gave me time to cherish the last moments with her instead of worrying about the daily stress of life.”

Back to School Lunchbox Makeover

September means everyone is back to school and work! It is also the perfect time to update your lunchbox with healthy choices for you and your family.

There are numerous benefits to packing your lunch; you’ll save money, time and excess calories from processed foods. Lunch is an important way to refuel your energy for the remainder of the day, so let the makeover begin!

First, let’s talk about beverages. Beverages hydrate and aid in absorption of vitamins and minerals. However, all beverages are not created equal. Choose water or low-fat milk over soda, juices and sweet teas which can be packed with a ton of sugar and extra calories. If you don’t like water, try seltzer or sparkling water for that tickle of carbonation. You can also add fresh fruit like berries, lemons or limes to plain water for an added treat.

When it comes to the main dish, loading up on veggies is key. Add fresh spinach, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers to spice up traditional sandwiches. If sandwiches aren’t your cup of tea, create a large salad with fresh vegetables and toppings like sliced almonds, shredded chicken, walnuts or chickpeas for added protein. Salads aren’t just for veggies; get creative by adding strawberries, oranges or apple slices.

We know every great lunch has to have a great snack, so make yours healthy and delicious. Healthy snacking is a great way to give yourself a boost of energy between meals and research has found it to be helpful in maintaining a healthy weight. Try sliced apples or bananas with peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars, or bean dip and vegetables.

What’s in the lunchbox isn’t the only important element of a healthy lunch. Keep your lunch from spoiling by packing it in an insulated bag and storing it in the refrigerator. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, pack a small ice pack to keep your food safe and fresh. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your lunchbox regularly with hot soap and water to keep the germs at bay.

Ready to makeover your lunch? Start with this Apple and Spiced Pumpkin Dip – Yum!

 

Janell Walker, RD, LDN, Nutrition Services Manager

Janell is a registered dietitian and has been with Food & Friends for 3 years. She is a graduate of University of Maryland, College Park and a native of the DC metropolitan area. Janell enjoys cooking, dancing and educating people about the importance of food and nutrition. Learn more about Food & Friends' nutrition services.

Apples and Spiced Pumpkin Dip

Whether you call it fall or autumn, these next few months are the time to make use of seasonal staples like apples and pumpkins. These fruits are not only delicious, but also contain important nutrients that help keep you and your family healthy.

Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients:
4 medium-sized apples
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1 8oz pack reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 15oz can pure pumpkin
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:
Slice the apple and drizzle with a lemon or lime juice. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer, blend all ingredients together until smooth. Let chill to develop flavors. Serve chilled with fruit slices or low-fat graham crackers.

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160; Total Fat: 5 g; Protein: 3 g; Sodium: 153mg; Vitamin A: 171% Daily Value

A Professional Volunteer

Dyane Amos has volunteered in the Food & Friends kitchen every Tuesday morning for nearly 3 years. When needed, she arrives early and stays late to make sure all the meals are prepared and packaged for our clients living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. She works meticulously to ensure special diets are followed and that the meals are prepared with a watchful eye for consistency and quality.

Volunteer Dyane Amos (left) has volunteered in
the Food & Friends kitchen for almost 3 years.



Her knowledge of the kitchen is a tremendous asset to our chefs and kitchen staff, and her enthusiasm for volunteering and working with school groups is a huge help to the volunteer services staff. Dyane leaves Food & Friends the same way she comes in each day- with a big smile and a kind word for everyone she passes on her way.

The thousands of meals Dyane helps prepare are delivered by to men, women and children living with life-challenging illnesses all over the Washington, DC metro area. Many individuals served by Food & Friends live below the poverty line and could not otherwise afford nutritious meals for themselves and their families while undergoing treatments. Other clients are too weak from their illnesses and treatments to prepare meals at home. Volunteers such as Dyane make it possible for meals to be delivered to families daily at no cost to them.

Dyane's dedication is nothing short of extraordinary. She is at Food & Friends every Tuesday without fail. Her mother and children know not to even try calling her on Tuesday mornings. When friends ask her to join them on a Tuesday morning, she simply says, "It's Tuesday - I have somewhere I need to be." And our clients need her to be here too. Thanks Dyane!

Friends Helping Friends: Friends spend quality time together through volunteerism

Sheela Nayak and Beth Clark have found that volunteering together at Food & Friends is a wonderful way to form a deeper bond while making new friends. They began volunteering together in 2003 after Beth retired from her job and was looking for service activities during the week. Sheela had already been delivering meals at Food & Friends for the past two years so she asked Beth to join her on her route. They have been delivering ever since.

“Sharing the experience makes volunteering a lot more fun, and there is an energy that is absent when you work alone,” says Beth. “And, after the activity is over, you have shared memories, which make friendships stronger.”

Sheela echoes that sentiment, “Now, we can discuss other ideas –issues in life. There are no words to describe the togetherness.”

Their shared values on service and community have enhanced their volunteer experience and have strengthened their friendship. Neither of them realized how similar they were until they had this opportunity to spend time together.

“Prior to volunteering together, we were casual friends … but we never had the opportunity to really talk and get to know each other,” says Beth. “Our friendship really took off because of our shared interest in service.”

Beth’s favorite volunteer memory is when one of their clients gave them each a small gift after they dropped off his meals.

“After we left, I remember Sheela saying that this was obviously so important to him and commented on how happy he seemed to be able to give us a token of thanks,” says Beth. “I wonder to myself if I could be as gracious if I was in their place. I know I have learned a lot about looking on the bright side from our clients.”

Delivering meals has not only changed their friendship but gave them the opportunity to learn about the clients on a new level. “I have been a volunteer for many years, there is something about our clients that is very special – despite the hardships they are facing, they always greet us with a smile and a kind word…” says Beth.

Both Sheela and Beth are thankful for their experience with Food & Friends and enthusiastically recommend volunteering. “Volunteering for Food & Friends makes people feel like someone cares,” says Sheela. Beth responds, “I have always looked to volunteer where the need is greatest, and hope that by doing my small part, I might leave myself and the world just a little better.”

Looking for ways to get involved with friends? Consider adopting a delivery route. It is fun, easy to do and can fit into your schedule. Visit www.foodandfriends.org or contact Don Pitz for more information.

A Chat with Our Friend, Councilmember Muriel Bowser

Sunday, August 5th is National Friendship Day and there is no better friend to the community than District of Columbia Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4). Councilmember Bowser is not a remote presence in the Wilson Building but is involved constantly in the life and needs of her constituents –her neighbors. She is also a solid friend of Food & Friends and is a regular Thanksgiving volunteer. Ward 4 is just across the street from our building and Food & Friends is proud to serve Ms. Bowser’s ward and every ward in the District of Columbia.

We asked Councilmember Bowser to share with us her views on this neighborhood, her work and her commitment to Food & Friends.

Councilmember Muriel Bowser with
Food & Friends Board Member Anne Shimabukuro
packing Thanksgiving meals.
Source: Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Bowser

What inspired you to run for public office in DC and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the DC Council? 

I was raised in a family rich with civic mindedness. My dad was a longtime ANC commissioner, but both of my parents really instilled the idea of public service. I followed my dad’s footsteps and ran for commissioner in ANC 4B09 in my home neighborhood of Lamond Riggs. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in History from Chatham College and my Master’s degree in Public Policy from American University here in DC. I strive every day to provide strong service to the 80,000 residents of Ward 4 and pride myself on always being connected. 

As a steadfast supporter of Food & Friends, what attracted you to our mission?

Food & Friends does vitally needed work for its clients. I really shudder to think how the District’s critically ill residents would survive without the services provided by Food & Friends and your impressive and always dedicated cadre of volunteers. Yes, we do share a neighborhood, but more importantly, we share a commitment to helping those in need.

You have spent the last few Thanksgivings volunteering with us. What is that experience like?

Short of being with my family on Thanksgiving, nothing warms my heart more than to be involved in helping ready Thanksgiving dinners for Food & Friends clients and seeing your volunteers, old and new.  There is such a close bond among those assembled and a genuine camaraderie between people who quite likely are meeting for the first time.

What is your advice for people who want to get involved in the DC community but don’t know how?

What a good question. First and foremost, I believe it’s important to know who you want to help and how.  Thank god for the internet and social media. Both make the task of finding out who needs help so much easier. And then here in DC in every Ward, regular monthly meetings occur on matters involving public safety (PSA and CAC meetings) as well as on topics of general community concern (ANC and Civic/Community Association meetings). Go to one of these meetings. You’ll quickly meet regular attendees and learn of ways you can become more involved.

We are proud to work and serve in the Fort Totten neighborhood. As a leader in the development of this neighborhood, what would you like to see happen here over the next five years?

I am proud of the ever changing landscape of the Fort Totten and Lamond Riggs Neighborhoods and have been pleased to help shepherd the soon to be finished transportation infrastructure improvements at the intersection of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE. I look forward to a day in the not too distant future when land that formerly housed the Tiger Mart shopping center will be a hub of new retail, dining and housing options for current and hopefully many new residents. Food & Friends location at this intersection, in my eyes, can only win more and more awareness as a result of this change in landscape.