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Chris Manson, Agency Field Representative, Northeast Region
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Field Notes: Northern Maine
In June I had the opportunity to spend helping Catholic Charities Food Bank in Caribou with their monthly distribution. Good Shepherd Food-Bank's partnership with Catholic Charities allows us to distribute food to our partner agencies through them as on a monthly basis.
Catholic Charities is also the hub for all Aroostook County agencies receiving CSFP and TEFAP commodities. This distribution also happened to fall on the day I was visiting, which allowed me to see the busiest of days at Catholic Charities. On this day there were a dozen agencies that came through the unique indoor drive-thru system where Aroostook Community Action Program, along with Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, gave out the allotted commodities.
After the ACAP distribution, all 24 agencies served by Catholic Charities lined up to receive their emergency food distribution from Good Shepherd Food-Bank and Catholic Charities. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, jumping in the back of trucks and trailers, loading case after case of food. Along with other volunteers, I took commands from Debbie and Morgan from Catholic Charities, who did an amazing job managing the distribution.
I was impressed how all the agencies helped each other load orders as they waited for their turn. It was great to be part of this experience - I could see the County pride as we loaded food for each pantry to take back to their respective community. I walked away from Catholic Charities Food Bank that day with even more appreciation than I already had for all those involved in providing food to their communities month after month.
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Veggie Mobile Hits the Road
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Loading a GSFB truck with fresh veggies at Jordan Farm, July 2011.
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In an effort to rapidly distribute the bounty of fresh produce that we are acquiring for our partner agencies this summer, Good Shepherd is sending a Veggie Mobile out on the road.
During the course of the summer, the Veggie Mobile will visit nearly every county with a distribution of local produce for area agencies. Counties in which the Food Bank has set up direct farm-to-pantry distribution, including York, Waldo, Cumberland, and Penobscot, will not receive a Veggie Mobile. The first Veggie Mobile distribution is taking place August 4 in Lincoln county.
In addition, fresh produce is arriving at our warehouses in Auburn, Brewer, and Portland each week and is available to agencies, free of charge, while supplies last.
If you have questions about this Thursday's Veggie Mobile in Lincoln county, please contact Lou Ann Bachelder at lbachelder@gsfb.org. If you would like information about upcoming Veggie Mobile distributions, please contact Nancy Perry at nperry@gsfb.org.
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Food Safety Tip:
Keeping Temperature Logs
Remember, everyone, to continue to monitor your freezer and refrigerator temperatures. Daily readings can help you identify if your appliance is operating at its best. During hot and humid times, fridges and freezers must work harder than normal to maintain a safe temperature for food storage.
Older appliances - like many found in food pantries and soup kitchens! - may also fall victim to condensation that can cause frost build-up on fans and motors. If you notice any sign of increasing temperatures in your daily readings, your appliance may be failing. Making daily readings of your freezer and fridge temps can help you avoid product loss.
If you need a cooler/freezer log sheet for tracking temperatures, please contact your Agency Field Representative and one will be sent to you!
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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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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 August 1 - Inventory
Brewer, ME 04412 September 1 - Inventory
(207) 989-4672 September 5 - Labor Day
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
Quick Chicken & Veggie Soup
Ingredients: 1 tsp. vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped
2 - 15 oz. cans lima beans (or other beans), drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz. can sliced carrots (or 2 fresh carrots sliced)
1 - 15 oz. can spinach or other mixed greens, drained
1 can chicken, drained
1/2 tsp. each oregano & rosemary (optional)
Salt & pepper
4 cups water
1 cup cooked brown rice
Cook brown rice according to package instructions. Heat oil in a sauce pan. Saute onion until translucent. If using fresh carrots, saute along with onion. Add beans and other veggies, chicken, water, and spices to the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes. To serve, put 1/4 cup brown rice in a bowl and ladle 1 cup of soup over top. Makes 4 servings.
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