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| | Kathy Helming, Agency Field Representative, Southern Maine |
Field Notes: Southern Maine
I want to thank the shoppers and agency representatives who have been so welcoming of me over the 7 weeks since I joined the GSFB team, as I've visited you in either the Portland warehouse or in your "home" agencies. I've been met with such warmth and good humor, and I'm not surprised to hear the pride in your voices as you describe all you do for those in need in your communities.
I also hear the challenges you express about meeting greater needs with less money, fewer volunteers, and rising costs of both food and transportation. Please let me know if you have particular concerns or questions that I may help with. Also be sure to share the ideas and suggestions you have that may help me - and all of us at Good Shepherd - better partner with you and the people you serve.
You energize and inspire me with your commitment! Whether you are serving in a group home or to hundreds of households a week - and most programs offer something in between - each effort moves us closer to a state where fewer people wonder where their next meal will come from. Thank you for all you do.
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Connecting Clients with Fresh Food
With summer upon us, there are many opportunities to provide more fresh food for people in need throughout the state. At Good Shepherd Food-Bank, we are hard at work purchasing produce, fish, and cheese from local producers through our Mainers Feeding Mainers program. In addition to the products we will provide throughout the summer, there are a number of other ways to acquire fresh foods for your clients.
If your town or region has a Farmers Market, be sure to contact the organizer of the market to talk about donating food. After the weekly market closes, many farmers will have surplus products that they won't be able to sell. Partnering with farmers from the local market could be an excellent way to bring fresh, local foods to hungry people in your community.
You should also make sure your pantry is registered with Ample Harvest, an organization that works to connect hunger relief organizations with local farmers and gardeners. Millions of Americans grow more food in their backyards than they can possibly use. The goal of Ample Harvest is to connect these gardeners with people in need in their communities. When you register your pantry for free on ampleharvest.org, local farmers and gardeners are able to locate your organization when they want to donate surplus products.
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Food Safety Tip:
Always Wash Fresh Produce
With all this talk of fresh produce, it's important to remember the necessary step of washing produce to rid it of harmful substances before cooking or eating. In addition to pesticides that may be used during the growing process, produce can occasionally encounter other contaminants during its trip from the farm to the table.
Please take the time to remind your clients of these important tips when they take home fresh produce:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, including those with rinds or skins that won't be eaten, should be rinsed under running tap water.
- Rub firm-skinned fruits and vegetables with a clean vegetable brush while running under water.
- Dry your fruits and vegetables with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
- Never use detergent or bleach to wash produce - these products are not meant for human consumption!
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Locations, Hours & Closings
Auburn Distribution Center Portland Distribution Center
3121 Hotel Road 111 Pine Tree Industrial Pkwy
Auburn, ME 04211 Portland, ME 04102
(207) 782-3554 (207) 761-0542
Hours: M-Th 7:30am - 4pm; Hours: M-Th 8am - 3pm;
F 7:30am - 1:30pm F 8am - 12pm
Brewer Distribution Center We will be CLOSED on:
88 Stevens Road July 1 - Inventory
Brewer, ME 04412 July 4 - 4th of July Holiday
(207) 989-4672 August 1 - Inventory
Hours: M closed;
T-Th 8am - 3pm;
F 8am - 12pm
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Look for us on the Web at www.gsfb.org
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Are You Using Our Online Ordering System?
There are many benefits to using online ordering:
- You can place an order online at your convenience, 24/7.
- Real-time product availability gives you the best selection.
- Once you order, the items are reserved for you.
Placing your agency's order online is easy! To view a list of current inventory and place an online order, please click here.
For login and password, please contact Heidi at (207) 782-3554 ext. 1126 or hlupardo@gsfb.org
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Recipe of the Month
Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
3 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
1 bag mixed vegetables OR
1 cup each chopped broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peppers
Salt & pepper to taste
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
4 ounces cooked chicken breast, sliced
1 cup cooked rice
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and saute for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Season with salt & pepper. Add soy sauce and stir. Add cooked chicken slices and heat through, about 5 minutes. Serve on top of rice.
Makes 2 servings
Prep time - 10 minutes
Cook time - 10 - 15 minutes
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Agency Services Team
Cheryl Jalbert, VP of Agency Services, cjalbert@gsfb.org
Jeremy Corbally-Hammond, Manager of Agency Services, jhammond@gsfb.org
Heidi Lupardo, Agency Services Specialist, hlupardo@gsfb.org
Lou Ann Bachelder, Agency Field Rep - Central, lbachelder@gsfb.org
Chris Manson, Agency Field Rep - Northeast, cmanson@gsfb.org
Kathy Helming, Agency Field Rep - Southern, khelming@gsfb.org
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