A Place at the Table - One Nation, Underfed

A Place at the Table is a newly released, compelling documentary about food insecurity in the United States.

Film synopsis: "Fifty million people in the US—including one in four children—don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. In the film, directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine the issue of hunger in America through the lens of three people struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford."

VIEWERS PERSPECTIVE

Jeanee Natov, current AmeriCorps VISTA with Rainier Valley Food Bank shares her experience viewing the film:

"Last Friday was the annual Northwest Harvest conference. I literally started out my day with a raw egg and pedaled my way to Mercer Island in the crisp air. I was hesitant to choose the movie screening, “A Place at the Table” as my first session-- maybe it was the immense amounts of coffee and endorphins from that really big hill I biked up or the fact that the relaxing atmosphere of a movie would elicit contagious yawning. I went for it anyway. The food bank staff and my fellow VISTA's joined me, as we shook and nodded our heads in agreement and disapproval, holding back what I felt like could be tears, if not a strong emotional reaction to the events unfolding in this movie.

I was fired up. A wave of ideas on how to help this issue flooded my head. More education, grad school, becoming the next Johnny Appleseed but with kale, martyring myself for the cause, protests, occupations, becoming a politician, photojournalism, personal grants, kickstarters, and more. What can I do? What can I do RIGHT NOW? 

What is the shortest distance towards the biggest change? It seems this is a big question for many of us. I was lucky enough to hear Michael Pollan speak at the Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle a few nights later. A young lady, around my age, stood up in an unsure manner and asked the very same question. While his passion was indescribable, Michael did not have much for an answer, besides the idea that we are only one person, and we can only do so much. However, what you do accomplish is truly great. He also mentioned that one should be a well-rounded individual of the food system revolution. By learning the physical, political, economical, and doing your research as well as the boring paperwork, you can be a big change in this revolution. Learn as much as you can and jump into things that are uncomfortable.

For me, politics make me uncomfortable. I’m not much for confrontation, I can’t keep random statistics in my head, and I like to allow everyone to have their own point of view. Discussing politics is not a hobby of mine. But I now realize, by being fired up and feeling hopeless, it’s time to tackle politics as they relate to food issues. 

So when the dreams in my head of monumental change fell back down to Earth, crashing into reality and the time commitments and hard work that would need to accompany them, I took on this personal, political challenge. I want to be informed on food politics and be able to have a concrete conversation about it with a friend. It will take me some time. Maybe next time you see me, enlighten me about your most pressing political food issue? Or your favorite news source for food politics? Or tell me about the rallies and celebrations of food in our community.

I highly recommend seeing A Place at the Table! It’s perfect for inspiring those who have lost a spark or inspiring those who are already inspired."

STATS FROM THE FILM

• 1 in 6 Americans don’t have enough to eat.

• 30% of US families are food insecure.

• Since 1980, price of produce has increased 40% meanwhile, price of processed food has decreased 40%.

• Approximately 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts. 75% of food deserts are urban.

• The US ranks worst among the IMF’s Advanced Economy countries on food insecurity.

• Nutritional deprivation in first 3 years, however short, can have lifelong impacts on cognitive ability.

• In 1980 there were 200 food banks in the county.  Today there are over 40,000 food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens.

WHAT IS A FOOD DESERT & WHY DOES IT MATTER?

"Food deserts are defined as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these communities may have no food access or are served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options. The lack of access contributes to a poor diet and can lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease." - Source

Visit the USDA Food Desert Locator, and interactive map to help you explore and define food deserts close to home.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED

Here are some prompting questions from A Place at the Table's Theatrical Discussion Guide. We would love to hear your thoughts via this blog's comments below!

• 85% of families who are insecure have one working adult in the household.  How do people get out of poverty earning a living wage?

• According to the film, one in six Americans says they don’t always have enough to eat. Were you aware that hunger was such a big problem in the US?

• Have you or someone close to you ever struggled to put food on the table? How do/did you deal with that? Where did you turn for help?

• In the film we learn that in the ‘60s, there was huge push to end childhood hunger that resulted in free breakfast and lunch programs, senior meal programs and the expansion of food stamps. As a result, by the late ‘70s, hunger was basically eradicated. Why do you think hunger has come back as such a pressing issue in our country? Based on what you know about our country’s relationship with food security, do you think ending hunger is a possibility today?

• Marion Nestle explains that “we are spending $20 billion a year on agricultural subsidies for the wrong food.” If you had $20 billion to address food production, what would you do with it?

Join the converstation! Post your thoughts, comments and questions below. For action ideas and additional information on how you can take your place in the fight to end hunger, visit RVFB.ORG & TAKEPART.COM/TABLE or text FOOD to 77177

Spring is the time to do something BIG - Why you should GiveBIG to the Rainier Valley Food Bank

Today's post was written by Allison Augustyn, RVFB board member and volunteer. 

"Every week, every year, RVFB provides healthy food when we say we will, keeping our promise to the community without fail."

Everyone here at Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB) loves spring; but spring also brings a significant set of challenges to the food bank. After the fervor of the winter holidays and the end-of-year contributions, RVFB sees a sizable dip in donations. A few months into the New Year, the wonderful and generous store of resources begins a slow drop, a “spring slump” for which we must prepare every year.

Many non-profits share in this decline, as donors tend to focus on end-of-year holiday giving and tax deductions. That is a perfectly normal giving trend.

But while many non-profits time their programs to work with the trends of incoming donations, RVFB’s work – meeting hunger insecurity – is never done. RVFB meets the constant need to eat year-round, feeding families and neighbors over the holidays, through the spring slump, and during every other ordinary time of the year as well. Every week, every year, RVFB provides healthy food when we say we will, keeping our promise to the community without fail.

We can do this because we are responsible with your donations. RVFB creates budgets and spending plans that make arrangements for the spring slump. We run more food drives, reach out to schools and faith groups, and build innovative fundraisers. We cut spending costs and are currently analyzing ways to improve our already efficient system.

And that’s where GiveBIG comes in. GiveBIG is a great way to show your neighbors that you know that hunger is an ongoing battle. GiveBIG in partnership with the Seattle Foundation, stretches your dollars further. And when you donate to RVFB, your donation tells Seattle that RVFB is a good organization that is making a difference. A donation is a vote of confidence that not only replenishes our shelves, but sends a message to staff, volunteers and board – the work we do is important to the community, and important to YOU.

So if you can, do a little spring-cleaning. Turn over the couch cushions and find that spare change. Donate on GiveBIG day. See if you can pick up an extra can or two or a few bags of rice on your next trip to the supermarket and bring them into the food bank. Plant a garden and remember that we love fresh produce year-round. And accept our thanks for being a great supporter of an excellent year-round cause. Happy Spring!

To support RVFB, GiveBIG Wednesday, May 15: http://bit.ly/15aBemh. Every donation helps! 

Time Well Spent

Today’s post was written by Jen Worth, RVFB board member, volunteer and Rainier Valley resident. 

Food matters to me. It’s one of the primary reasons I volunteer regularly with the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB). I care deeply about what I prepare and serve to family and friends and I want every member of my community to have access to quality food that they can be proud to serve to their family and friends.

I give my time to RVFB for two other reasons—it is necessary and it makes a difference. Two key findings from a study entitled Food Banks: Hunger’s New Staple conducted by Feeding America in 2010 illustrate this point.

First, it is necessary—according to the study, emergency food from pantries is no longer being used simply to meet temporary acute food needs. A majority of the clients being served by the Feeding American network (54%) have visited a food pantry in six or more months during the past year. At RVFB, we have seen a similar trend with many of our food guests visiting regularly to put nutritious food on their tables.

Second, it makes a difference—the study indicates that households that are food secure are more likely to include individuals that have used a pantry every month within the past year. Although Feeding America cannot state that this relationship is causal in nature, it is preliminary evidence that food pantry use over longer durations may lower the likelihood of food insecurity. While this point may seem counterintuitive, it means that food banks like RVFB are likely contributing to the ability of folks in these households to have the confidence of knowing where their next meal will come from.

When I see familiar faces month after month at RVFB, I know my time is making a difference. With a little luck, my time combined with that of all the volunteers at RVFB will help us come closer to ending hunger in the Rainier Valley.

Would you consider adding your time or your resources to help RVFB in its mission to end hunger in the Rainier Valley? Believe me when I say it would be time well spent. Learn more about ways you can help by visiting www.rvfb.org. 

GiveBIG is May 15 – Three things you should know!

The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG event is back and we hope you’ll participate in this annual day of giving. Here are three things we want you to know:

1. Set a reminder to donate on May 15. GiveBIG is a 24-hour online fundraising event managed by The Seattle Foundation. Donations must be made between 12:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. on the 15th to count toward our total. Bookmark our GiveBIG page now!

2. Your donation goes further on May 15. All donations made through The Seattle Foundation's website on May 15 will receive a percentage of the matching funds (or "stretch pool"). This percentage depends on the size of the stretch pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day.

3. Keep up to date with us on Facebook, Twitter, and our newsletter! Like, Follow, Subscribe – however you like to receive information, we hope you’ll connect with us to hear the latest about our activities and share your own stories about the food bank!

We know there are many charities in Seattle worthy of your hard-earned money and we thank you for considering Rainier Valley Food Bank! If you have questions about GiveBIG be sure to check out the Seattle Foundation website or contact us.