We're Counting on You!
As we enter 2012, a struggling economy continues to present challenges for households throughout central and eastern Ohio. Many families are faced with a tough choice as they work to make ends meet: pay for housing, transportation, medicine, utility costs ... or buy groceries to put food on the table.
The need for emergency food is continuing to increase at an alarming rate: - Demand has climbed 46% over the past five years.
And society's most vulnerable members continue to be most at risk: - 35% of requests at pantries are for children.
- 14% of requests come from senior citizens.
Mid-Ohio Foodbank works with grocers, food companies, Ohio farmers and community partners (like you!) to collect and distribute food across central and eastern Ohio to people who desperately need it. In order to get through these hard times, Mid-Ohio Foodbank must depend on neighbors helping neighbors. That's why Operation Feed--the community's response to hunger--is now more important than ever. This year the community is working to raise 7.5 million meals, and to do that we'll need everyone's help. Please join us by bringing together those in your organization in support of Operation Feed. We're counting on you! |
Coordinator Training & Information Sessions Are Coming Soon
Attending a Training & Information Session is a great way to kick-start your Operation Feed effort! Join us at the Foodbank to learn about Operation Feed and gather strategies for holding a successful drive. Food collection boxes and print materials for your meal-raising efforts will be available, and there will be opportunities to network and share ideas with Coordinators from organizations across the community.
Each session will run for 90 minutes (snacks provided), and a tour of the new Gold LEED certified Foodbank facility will be available following the meeting (note that the April 4 session will be held at a downtown-area Foodbank partner agency). Choose a time that's convenient for you from these five  sessions:
- Tuesday, March 6, 3-4:30 p.m.,
- Thursday, March 8, 12:30-2 p.m.,
- Wednesday, April 4, 8:30-10 a.m.,
- Thursday, April 12, 3-4:30 p.m.,
- Tuesday, May 1, 8:30-10 a.m.
Sign-up at http://operationfeed.eventbrite.com/. Please feel free to invite others involved with your campaign. Hope to see you there! |
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Join Us: Operation Feed Day Launch Events (Thursday, March 1)
To begin the 2012 campaign season and raise awareness of this year's hunger-fighting effort, we'll be celebrating Operation Feed Day on Thursday, March 1. A variety of events are planned to garner media attention, build community buzz and energize our campaign partners. We encourage you and your associates to join us for a spirited launch of this year's Operation Feed campaign.
Team Spirit Volunteer Project & Luncheon
Early in the day, a selection of award-winning Operation Feed organizations are invited to participate in a special recognition and media event at Mid-Ohio Foodbank. This volunteer opportunity will demonstrate how local organizations come together each year to help our neighbors in need. Representatives from a diverse group of Operation Feed partner organizations will work side-by-side, energizing each other as the Operation Feed drive begins. Attendees also will be treated to lunch--generously provided by Foodbank partner, Bob Evans Farms--where they'll hear what's new at Mid-Ohio Foodbank from President & CEO, Matt Habash, and take in the inaugural episode of "Food Feud." This portion of "Operation Feed Day" will provide a great visual of the community's collaborative effort to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Inspiration Panel
Later that afternoon, leadership and campaign coordinators of all Operation Feed organizations are invited to join us for a special event: the "Operation Feed Day" Inspiration Panel. At 4 p.m. in Shadowbox Live's new space in the Brewery District, we'll hear the inspiring stories of individuals engaged in community service through unique and special ways:
- Jeni Britton Bauer, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams owner & founder,
- Roy Hall, former Buckeye & NFL player and D.R.I.V.E.N. Foundation president & founder,
- Martina Desgranges, OhioHealth & Kitchen Cabinet steering committee volunteer,
- Emilie Duncan & Kasey Skobel-Conyers, Cakes for a Cause event organizers,
- Mark Mollenkopf, Mid-Ohio Foodbank food pantry coordinator.
Our program will be emceed by Johnny DiLoretto from Good Day Columbus and will include remarks from Mid-Ohio Foodbank President & CEO, Matt Habash. Together, we'll learn about how others are making a difference in our community as we begin our own Operation Feed efforts this spring. Please RSVP through http://www.ofdaypanel.eventbrite.com. We sincerely hope that a representative from your organization will be able to attend.
Happy Hour & Mixer
An "Operation Feed Day" Happy Hour will follow the program. Sponsored by Operation YP (the Foodbank's young professionals group), this is an opportunity to network & socialize with panelists and guests. There will be music by local soul-pop duo, Wonder Twin Powers, drink specials and prize drawings. Also at Shadowbox, it's open to any and all members of your organizations and would be a great way to get associates excited about your upcoming campaign. Please invite them to attend (mixer information & RSVP; Facebook link to share). We hope to see you there!
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Your Donation Has More Impact - Every $1 Raised Provides 3 Meals
You read that right - every $1 raised now provides 3 meals! This figure is calculated by dividing the cost of the food subsidized by Operation Feed dollars by 1.3, which represents the pounds per meal equivalent as determined by the 2010 "Hunger in America" Study.
What does this really mean? Throughout the years, the mix of food distributed by Mid-Ohio Foodbank continues to evolve and change. We've worked hard to be much more efficient and reduce the cost per pound of food we distribute. We rely more heavily on donated food and less on purchased food. We also buy in bulk, taking advantage of economies of scale. All of this means that your financial donation has an even bigger impact on what we can do.
How does this affect your campaign? We hope that this powerful new message helps you raise even more meals than you have in years past because your associates will recognize the power and impact of their donation. We'll help you transition to this new formula by providing your campaign history and 2012 goal based on the new calculation ($1 = 3 meals; 1 lb. = 1 meal). This way, you are comparing "apples to apples" when planning for 2012.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact an Operation Feed Team Member! |
Meet the Operation Feed Team
Welcome to Operation Feed 2012! With the campaign season fast approaching, we are very excited to work with you and your associates over the next several months. As a result of feedback we've received from the Kitchen Cabinet's Strategic Recruiting and Retention committee, we'll be implementing a more targeted support and outreach program for many of our Operation Feed partners. Don't be surprised if you hear from us as your campaign time frame approaches or we try to invite ourselves to your Operation Feed event. And please don't hesitate to reach out to our team if there is anything we can provide to support your meal-raising efforts.
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Joan Lloyd, Campaign Director; Andrew Murphy, Campaign Manager; Angie Leonard, Campaign Coordinator; Laura Imbrock, AmeriCorps VISTA.
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Joan
"Greetings all! I'm Joan Lloyd, the Operation Feed Campaign Director. I'm the campaign veteran with 2012 marking my 7th year with Operation Feed. Each year, I look forward to working with the many people who volunteer their time and talents to help us fulfill our mission of feeding hungry people. The work that all of you do to raise food and funds inspires me each and every day."
A former college swimmer, Joan spent a large part of her career working with swimming programs and YMCA administration, but her very first job was two years spent working at a field station on a remote island in the Bahamas. When not out in the community representing Operation Feed, you might find her relaxing with a good book in her cabin at Hocking Hills.
Andrew
"Hi, everyone. I'm Andrew Murphy, and this spring marks my 4th year as the Operation Feed Campaign Manager. Each spring, I'm energized and humbled by the dedication and creativity invested through Operation Feed. Seeing our community come together around this cause is very inspiring, and I always look forward to connecting with those interested in making our community a better place. I can't wait to see what new collaborations are in store for 2012!"
Andy gives Lance Armstrong a run for his money as an avid cyclist. He's a hard-working guy who also likes to take advantage of the fun things Columbus has to offer. You can probably catch him checking work e-mail on his smart phone while enjoying a craft beer after a 50+ mile ride!
Angie
"Hey there! My name is Angie Leonard and I am the new Coordinator for Operation Feed. This is my second year with the Foodbank, but first year with Operation Feed! I am looking forward to seeing central Ohio rally against hunger in a way we never have before. We are such a collaborative community, and having the opportunity to work alongside so many creative and caring people is truly an honor."
Angie is a die-hard Michael Jackson fan; if you listen closely you will likely hear his voice flowing like butter from her computer speakers. She was also one of the few and the proud at the midnight showing of "This is It". Who's bad...
Laura
"Hi! My name is Laura Imbrock and I am the new Operation Feed AmeriCorps VISTA member here at Mid-Ohio Foodbank. This will be my first Operation Feed Campaign season, and I am really looking forward to working with passionate campaign coordinators who have been long time supporters of Operation Feed and fighting hunger!"
Laura is a Jurassic Park nerd! She's read the books, she's watched the movies (more times than she's willing to admit), and yes, she dreamed of being a paleontologist as a child (but honestly, who didn't?). If you're ever looking for some fun Dino-Trivia, she's your girl!
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Support Mid-Ohio Foodbank This Spring
Boston's Gives Back (Thru February 28)
Boston's The Gourmet Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar, with locations in  Marysville & the Arena District, will be giving back to the Foodbank through its Boston's Cares promotion. Paper Hearts are available for restaurant patrons to purchase to benefit the Foodbank; a portion of sales of various menu items will be donated; and Boston's in the Arena District will contribute10% of sales from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday through Feb. 28. Boston's in Marysville will offer 10% of sales from 5-8 p.m. on the same dates. To learn more, visit Boston's website. Cakes for a Cause (April 5)  Cakes for A Cause in 2011 was a huge success and 2012's event will be even bigger and sweeter! This year's gala and auction is scheduled for Thursday, April 5th from 6-9:00 p.m. at Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Organizers will be auctioning off beautiful cakes and confections as guests enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and dessert samples from "Sweet Taste of Victory" baking contestants. Prize drawing, cash bar, and more...all to benefit families in need. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a night out or get members of your leadership team connected with Operation Feed. Tickets are on sale now!
Additional Events and Promotions To learn about upcoming events and promotions, you can always visit the Foodbank's Events page at www.midohiofoodbank.org/news-events/events. |
Key Campaign Dates
- "Operation Feed Day" Launch Events - Thursday, March 1
- Ongoing Workplace/Organizational Campaigns - March-June
- Coordinator Training & Information Sessions - March 6/8, April 4/12, May 1 (see above)
- Cakes for a Cause - Thursday, April 5
- Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Drive - Saturday, May 12
- FOODFIGHT "Eat Out To Fight Hunger" - Wednesday, June 20
- Official End of Campaign - Thursday, June 30
- Deadline to Submit Contributions for Awards Consideration - Tuesday, July 31
- Campaign Finale - August 23 or August 24 (TBD)
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Next Steps
- RSVP to the Operation Feed Day "Inspiration Panel" on March 1.
- Invite members of your organization to the Operation Feed Day Happy Hour & Mixer.
- Sign up your organization for a Coordinator Training and Information Session.
- Add key campaign dates to your calendar.
- Start thinking about selecting campaign dates, forming a planning committee, and scheduling time to discuss plans with your leadership.
- Talk about Operation Feed with your friends, colleagues, neighbors ... and encourage them to get involved.
- Rally your associates for an outstanding 2012 Campaign!
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