It’s Never Too EarlyIt’s sunny and warm now but, before we

know it, the holidays will be here. Gift

buying and planning company events

can be overwhelming and stressful,

but we are here to help! Consider the

following unique ideas:

•Corporate Tributes–Looking for a way

to say thank you to valued colleagues or

clients? Make a gift to Kalamazoo Loaves

& Fishes in their honor.

•Host a Food and Fund Drive–Make it

a challenge to beat last year’s amount

or create friendly competition between

departments. Incorporate the drive

into your holiday party. We can help

you make a memorable activity for your

employees or friends.

•Individual Tributes–Having trouble

finding that gift for that person who

has everything? Make a donation

to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes in

someone’s honor. We will provide an

acknowledgement of your gift that can

be mailed or given in person.

•Volunteer –Would you like an activity

to help build teamwork? Consider

volunteering. We receive a large

number of food donations near the

holidays and always need help in the

warehouse.

A NOTE FROM JENNIFEROur brains are wired to visualize certain images when we hear or read words. When someone says “summertime”, thoughts of sunshine, barbeques, and beaches often

come to mind. We read a novel and begin picturing the main characters. These images are shaped by not only our own experiences and memories, but also by societal norms and expectations.

When you hear the word “hunger”, what images come to mind? What does hunger look like to you? Do you immediately think of an individual who is homeless or perhaps your mind goes to young children in third world nations? The truth is that hunger affects more people in our community than we will ever know and is often an invisible problem. There are over 37,000 individuals, including more than 10,000 children, in Kalamazoo County who are experiencing food

insecurity and don’t know where they will get their next meal. The faces of hunger remain ever-changing, and are often individuals that you would never suspect. The hard-working family on your street, the person in the cubicle next to you at work, the elderly woman at your church, the little boy in your child’s class who is always getting in trouble—the face of hunger may have even been your own at some point in your life.

Unexpected situations occur daily to all of us. Even the most diligent, budget conscious person may find themselves with little left to buy groceries at certain times in their life. A medical emergency or necessary car repair can completely derail one’s budget and leave nothing left to purchase food. With over 20 pantry sites throughout Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes remains dedicated to serving our hungry friends and neighbors when they need us most. Not only do we provide food to fill cupboards, but we also help preserve dignity, health, and family togetherness.

During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, we served nearly 2.8 million meals—a 10% increase from last year. We project that our service numbers will increase once again during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, and we thank you in advance for supporting our efforts to work towards a hunger-free community. We truly can’t do what we do without you. Your generosity and time make a tremendous difference.

AUGUST 2014

FOOD IS FUELAugust marks the final month to contribute to KLF’s Food Is Fuel Summer Kids Campaign.

For too many children in our community, the fun and sun of summer is coupled with uncertainty surrounding from where their next meal will come. Already this summer, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has experienced more than a 20% spike in meals served to children through its Grocery Pantry Program.

Every dollar counts! Visit www.kzoolf.org to donate today.

DOLLAR DRIVE THRU HELPS FEED THOUSANDSThe third-annual Dollar Drive Thru event, developed by the passion and generosity of OnStaff USA and 107.7 FM WRKR, will once again help feed thousands of children in our area.

More than 10,500 kids in Kalamazoo County struggle with hunger on a daily basis, and the money raised by our community on July 16 will go directly towards building a bright future for our talented youngsters.

Generous individuals from all corners of the county drove through and made meaningful gifts ranging from spare change out of their car’s cup holder to larger donations collected in the office throughout the day by coworkers. The Crossroads Mall, one of the event’s host sites, even donated all of the change from the bottom of their wishing fountain to help feed hungry children in our area.

Not only is the event intended to raise funds, but also to create unity within Kalamazoo County. Every little bit counts, and donations ranging from a nickel to a $100 bill offered the opportunity for everyone to ‘Drive Thru’ and make a difference in our community.

Thank you to OnStaff USA and WRKR 107.7 FM, our dedicated group of volunteers who collected donations in the unusually temperate July temperatures, and to all of you who helped fuel the future of Kalamazoo County with your generosity. The total amount raised was not yet known at the time of printing, but we hope to surpass last year’s total.

If you were not able to participate on July 16, it’s not too late! You can still contribute to our Food Is Fuel Kids Campaign by visiting www.kzoolf.org.

During its infancy in the early 1980’s, KLF was led by an eccentric and community-minded man named Pat Rothi. On a sunny, cool fall day over three decades ago, Rothi was taking a casual stroll when he saw a local supermarket deposit a large quantity of day-old bread into its dumpster. Realizing the magnitude of local individuals this bread could feed, he dove in to salvage the carb-filled food resource with the intention of distributing it to those in need in our community.

Within minutes, KLF’s first executive director found himself knee-deep in discarded food and was confronted by a confused store manager. After briefly explaining his intentions and the value of the soon-to-be wasted bakery products for so many in our neighborhoods, the once-skeptical grocer not only allowed Rothi to claim the bread, but also pledged to continue to donate excess food to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. More than 30 years later, the local store continues to donate food on a weekly basis, which KLF distributes to those in our community who need it the most.

While dumpster diving is no longer a means of food procurement for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, the relationships built from our meager beginnings continue to be critical in our efforts to end hunger in our community.

The contributions from our community—whether from local businesses, groups, organizations, individuals or young philanthropists—help us continue our efforts to fill the growing food gap in our area.

As we enter our new fiscal year, we want to say thank you to everyone that supports our mission—every dollar, every action is truly makes a meaningful difference.

FROM MEAGER BEGINNINGS KLF is pleased

to introduce

Greta Faworski as

its new Resource

Development Director.

Greta can be

contacted at

269-488-2617 ext. 208

or greta@kzoolf.org.

Mike and Stefani from The Rocker Morning Show collected donations all day at The Crossroads Mall.

Join the Movement!Are you interested in helping make Kalamazoo

a hunger-free community? We’ve got a place for

you! Attend a brief volunteer orientation to get

started.

Volunteer Orientation dates:

Wednesday, August 20

Saturday, September 13

Wednesday, September 24

Sign up with Volunteer Coordinator

Cherise Buchanan at 269-488-2617 ext. 209

or at cherise@kzoolf.org

A Partnership With KLF:1. Increases brand loyalty2. Strengthens brand image3. Builds deep community relationships4. Highlights your commitment to Kalamazoo County5. Helps create a sustainable future for your consumer base

STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS AND OUR COMMUNITYBy partnering with Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes in our mission to feed hungry people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger, not only are you helping build a brighter future for thousands of Kalamazoo County residents, but you also helping create a strong, beneficial community infrastructure for your business .

93% of American consumers have a more positive brand image of a company that supports a cause.

90% of American consumers are more loyal to a company that supports a cause.

90% of American consumers are more likely to do business with a company that supports a cause.

(According to a 2013 study by Cone Communications)

To learn more about partnering with KLF, contact Resource Development Director Greta Faworski at 269-488-2617 ext. 208 or at greta@kzoolf.org.

FOOD WISH LIST

August: Whole grain pasta

September:Canned meat

Did you know that with just $1, KLF can feed an individual three meals for a day? Please consider making a fund donation as well.

KLF August Giving Coupon

AMOUNT $ ________________

August is a particularly tough month for local families because of the lack of free and reduced-price school lunches and federal childhood food assistance programs. Your support is more important now than ever before!

Please send your contribution by August 23.

AUGUST2014

COUPON #131

KLF September Giving Coupon

AMOUNT $ ________________

School is back in session! Your donation helps fuel the minds of area children as they return to the classroom.

Please send your contribution by September 24.

SEPTEMBER2014

COUPON #132

Old National Bank has displayed its commitment to a hunger-free Kalamazoo County through donations and monthly volunteer efforts in our in-house Mary K. Melzer pantry.

Old National Bank believes that ‘“community partnership isn’t a one-time event. At Old National, it means an ongoing, dynamic commitment through a combination of Foundation grants, sponsorships and associate volunteer efforts.”

For more information, visit www.oldnational.com.

2.8 Million: KLF served nearly 2.8 million meals during the 2013-14 fiscal year—more than a 10% increase from the previous year.

1,000: KLF provides food to nearly 1,000 local residents per day.

MACKENZIE’S STORYMackenzie* is an honor student at a local college studying early childhood development. She also has a passion for food justice.

While these two interests may not appear to lead one on the same career path, the 18-year old sophomore has based her career aspirations on the desire to give back.

“I’m not going to lie, there were times growing up where I was hungry,” she said. “I don’t mean hungry like my stomach was rumbling. I’m talking about going to bed with an empty stomach on Tuesday night and going to school the next morning without eating. Those were long mornings. All I could think about was finally waiting in line for a warm school lunch. It was really, really hard to focus.”Fortunately for Mackenzie, her siblings and her father, there was help right around the

corner.“My dad worked two jobs, but

it wasn’t always enough,” she said. “Luckily for us, he is very resourceful.

“He heard about Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes at a community event, and from that point on, we used the pantries and the mobile food sites every once and a while when we needed just a little bit of food to make it to the next week.”

As she continues to delve deeper into her collegiate studies, learning more about the development of children and food security have given her a stronger appreciation for charitable food assistance programs—and a passion for giving back.

“I feel very fortunate,” she told KLF. “When you learn about just how much hunger effects growing kids, I feel blessed to be where I am at today.

“Without the help that we received, I don’t know that I would be here studying something that I am passionate about.

“I want every kid in every neighborhood to have the same opportunities that I have had.”

Despite a heavy course load during the school year and working multiple jobs in the summer, Mackenzie has found ways to help make a difference in her community—including through KLF’s Social Media Ambassador volunteer program.

“I am in college, I am on Facebook and Twitter all the time,” she smirked. “By just taking a few seconds out of my day to share and retweet stuff from [Kalamazoo] Loaves & Fishes, I feel accomplished because I know that I am helping to raise awareness.”

If you are interested in becoming a Social Media Ambassador for KLF, contact Communications Coordinator Kevin Minor at kevin@kzoolf.org or by calling 269-488-2617 ext. 218.

*Name changed for anonymity

SOARING SERVICE NUMBERSKalamazoo Loaves & Fishes prides itself on continuing to evolve to meet the demand for food assistance in Kalamazoo County. During the 2013-14 fiscal year (July 1-June 30), our organization provided more food to local residents than ever before.

In part due to a combination of legislative cuts to government nutritional programs, underemployment among many in the local workforce and our efforts to increase capacity in our pantry system, KLF distributed more than 2.8 million meals during its 32nd year of operation.

“When we talk about service numbers, the true impact of what our community provides to all of us can sometimes get overlooked in the statistics,” said Services Director Art Cole. “Our clients, our volunteers, our supporters, our staff members are all invaluable to us. We are talking about our family, our friends, our neighbors—and that is why we work so hard to expand our services every year.

“KLF has always focused our strategic development on reaching as many hungry individuals as possible, and because of that, we built this facility, and one of our highest-traffic food pantries, in the Edison neighborhood—one of the highest areas of need in our community. In the future, our steadfast goal is

to continue to enhance our service capabilities throughout Kalamazoo County.”

These efforts would not be possible without the support of our community. Thank you for your generosity and, together, we can work towards a hunger-free Kalamazoo County.

Local businesses and companies provide valued support to KLF through the donations of food, funds, products or services. Employees rally together to collect food donations and business owners support our mission through their generous gifts. These are the businesses that supported Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes from 7/1/2013 to 6/30/2014.

If you are interested in learning more about partnering with KLF, contact Resource Development Director Greta Faworski at 269-488-2617 ext. 208 or at greta@kzoolf.org.

359 CorporationA. M. Todd CompanyAAAAbraxas WorldwideAccountempsAdvance AmericaAdvia Credit UnionAgility HealthAlamar Systems, Inc.Alamo DrafthouseAldiAll Seasons Marine, Inc.Alpha Xi Masters Chapter of Beta

Sigma PhiAlta ResourcesAmeriprise Financial Annual Giving

CampaignAnderson Bros SteamaticApple BusAunt Millie’s BakeryAwake & Aware Yoga StudiosB.A.S.I.C.Bank of America United Way

CampaignBeamer, Lauth, Steinley & Bond, LLPBell’s Brewery, Inc.Big LotsBingen & Associates, PLLCBlake, Cassels & Graydon, LLPBorgess HealthBorgess Hospital OutpatientBorgess Medical CenterBread & Roses Child Care CenterBronson Internal Medicine DowntownBronson Methodist HospitalBronson Practice ManagementCase Management Soceity of AmericaCentre Dental Association, PCCharles River LabsChild and Family Psychological

ServicesCollision Management Group, LLCComerica Bank StaffComprehensive Care Services-PA, LLCComstock Family DentistryConstruction Labor Services, Inc.Consumers Credit UnionConsumers EnergyCoopers Landing AptsCorey Lake Orchards

Cottage Inn PizzaCRB ConsultingCummins Label, Inc.Curves For WomenDenso Manufacturing Michigan, Inc.Dimplex Thermal SolutionsDr. Goodman, DDSDrake Road OrthodonticsDrew Telecom Group, Inc.Earthly DelightsEaton CorporationEducational Community Credit UnionEdwards Industrial Sales, Inc.Family DollarFitness Yoga, LLCFlegal & MelnikFlynn, Thiel, Boutell & Tanis, P.C.Food Dance Cafe, Inc.Frank Arcangeli, DDSFresh Food FairyFrizkin EnterprisesGazelle SportsGrainger Industrial SupplyGraphic Packaging InternationalGreater HorizonsGreater Kalamazoo Association of

RealtorsGun Lake CasinoHaworth College of BusinessHealing Heart Psychic ServicesHearthsideHodgson EnterprisesHope Woods Senior CommunityHorizon BankHusted FarmHyland Machinery SalesJ. Butler Enterprises, LLCJ.C. Penney Company, Inc.JAC’S (Cekola’s Pizza)Jansen Valk Thompson & Reahm, PCJava JointJeff K. Ross Financial ServicesKalamazoo 10Kalamazoo County Farm BureauKalamazoo Gastroenterology

HepatologyKalamazoo Log Cabin QuiltersKalamazoo New Car Dealer Assoc.Kalamazoo Sportswear & RegaliaKalsec, Inc.

Keith R. Konvalinka, DDSKendall ElectricKeystone Community BankKlosterman DistributingKnappen Milling CompanyKozar Construction, Inc.Kzoom Video & Social MediaL & S Associates, Inc.L. D. Docsa Associates, Inc.Lam & CompanyLearning Solutions Group, Inc.Lewis Reed & Allen, PCLindsey Dedicated Services, Inc.Loeks Theatres, Inc.Louie’s Trophy House GrillLPL FinancialLVM Capital Management, Ltd.Maine PlasticsMangia MangiaMann+Hummel USA, Inc.Maple Hill Auto GroupMaurice’sMDOTMeijer, Inc.Millennium Restaurant GroupMJ Raser & AssociatesNiles & Associates, Inc.Northwest MutualNutra Blend, LLCOak Brook Estates Mobile Home ParkOld National BankPacker Sanitation Services, Inc.Panse GreenhousesPepperidge FarmsPepsi Bottling Group of KalamazooPfizer, IncorporatedPine Lake FarmPinewood Glen ApartmentsPipedream GlassPlazacorp Realty Advisors, Inc.PNC BankPNC Customer Service DepartmentPremier Freight ManagementPrimerica Financial ServicesPromotion ConceptsPrudential Preferred RealtorsQuality Air ServiceRajzer Farms, LLCRapids Capital, Inc.Residence Inn

River Street FlowerlandRobinson Industries, Inc.RollerworldRural Acres FarmRussell Farm GreenhouseRx OpticalSanitor Manufacturing CompanySchupan & Sons, Inc.Shoemaker Inc. Heating & CoolingSiemers Inspection Service, Inc.SignArt, Inc.SlidersSmoke HutSouthwest Michigan Credit UnionSouthwest Michigan Imaging CenterSpry, LLCState Farm InsuranceSteeg & Glista, PCStrategic SolutionsStryker InstrumentsStudio 33, Ltd.SubwaySuper BookTed’s AppliancesThe Ample PantryThe Canopeum, Inc.The GraineryThe Old Dog TavernThe Sign CenterThermo Fisher ScientificTrillium Staffing SolutionsTSFR Apple Venture, LLCTwo Men And A TruckUnited Bay Community Credit UnionUnited Healthcare Services, Inc.Van’s Carpet & Upholstery CleanersVarnum, Riddering, Schmidt & HowlettVillas of StonehengeVisser Construction, LLCWal-Mart 5065Walnut Manor FarmsWedel’s Nursery & Garden CenterWeight WatchersWestern Michigan International TrucksWestnedge Wellness CenterWiser Financial GroupWorkforce Strategies, Inc. (WSI )

THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our MissionKalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will feed hungry

people and engage our community in the fight to end hunger.

Our ValuesRespect

Diversity & InclusionStewardship & Accountability

IntegrityCollaboration

UrgencyService

TRIBUTES 5/1/2014 – 6/30/2014 . Special thanks to those who honor friends and family through contributions to KLF.

IIN HONOR OF…Victor BeauchampLarry BoelmanSusan CaulfieldBrenda (Kean) DarlingWilliam DeckerSis DeWittNancy DimentConnie DouglasDick DunsheeWilliam FurstenauDavid GillespieHarold HeikesPhyllis HeppRichard HutsonJennifer JohnsonAnne Wend LipseyBarbara & Brian MenlenEmily PearsonColleen Prichard & William

RantzZach & Kate RisleyJan RoadhouseLynne Smith

June SwansonThe Voter Volunteer LadiesTom & Jan TideringtonUS Postal Workers who

volunteered for the National Letter Carriers’ Food Drive

Joan and Charles Van Zoeren

Susan Atkinson & Rick Wilson

IN MEMORY OF…Derald BlakeMarion BranchLen BridgeRichard R. BuckKaren CernikMarcia CharkowskiPatricia ColemanJohnny CollinsRose Marie ContosColleen CopelandTom Crooks

Ethel DejonyFrank & Mark DeschaineJoseph DillonKaren ElwellRichard Evans Jr.Mary Ellen EvansJerald FinneganFaith FlanaganJohn P. FlynnCarolly GluekBud GuidmondDoris HamiltonShirley HammingEileen HoladayJoanie HoughDennis HutchinsMarcia JacksonSarah JacksonRobert JonesJohn KarnemaatMarguerite KolbAudrey KurkaLance LambertLinda Mary Renauld Lutz

William ManifoldKathy MizeurTerry MoorlagWilliam MorelandWalter MullinArchie MurrishMarjorie NendorfRuth NickelLeone NielsenDan NimmerBrian OmanJaimie OorbeckThomas OorbeckFrank Ossiff Jr.Rick OstericherDoris PeekstokJack Price Sr. & Virginia PriceJessica RenauldOswald & Alvina RenauldRichard Evans Sr.Mary RocheAntonia H. RostamiDarrell RostamiMarion Rumble

Abe RyskampJames H. SchaapMarilyn ScheelDr. Peter SchmittMartin & Emma SchmittElmer SchmuhlJuanita ShelleyFoster L Sherwood JrVictor SiemersJoani SiwikTom SondayDoug & Marie Renauld

StoneRobert StrubleJohn & Margaret StureJune TackaberryRichard “Dick” W. TannerBabette TraderRoon VisserMaLinda WebsterFranklin WeinbergDon, Ruth & Bob WisserDonald Wolf

Dave Hafer, Warehouse Coordinator 211Phyllis Hepp, Organizational Development Director 210Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director 208Deb Josephson, Services Coordinator 214Marvin King, Procurement Specialist 224Ruth Matteson, Call Center Coordinator 201Kevin Minor, Communications Coordinator 218Sue Raskin, Finance Coordinator 222Jackie Smith, Services Coordinator 221Carolyn Tyler, Operations Coordinator 222Laura Winther, Donor Database Coordinator 206

Staff / Business Office269/488-2617 EXT.Joan Atwell, Call Center Coordinator 201Cherise Buchanan, Volunteer Coordinator 209Paul Bushek, Warehouse Assistant 211Art Cole, Services Director 207Joe Cook, Warehouse Assistant 211Bob Dekker, Warehouse Assistant 211Greta Faworski, Resource Development Directir 213Joe Galaviz, Warehouse Assistant 211Kathy Gernaat, Operations Director 212

Connect With Us:

www.facebook.com/ KalamazooLoavesAndFishes

www.twitter.com/ KzoLoavesFishes

901 PORTAGE STREETKALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49001-3005

FOOD REQUEST LINE: 269/343-3663P 269/488-2617 · F 269/343-3669

WWW.KZOOLF.ORG

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDKALAMAZOO MIPERMIT NO. 1693