TABLE OF Contents
FRIENDS OF HARVEST HOPE
Family Health Centers needs our support.
TECHNOLOGY CORNER
A running list of tips & tricks.
3 4 5 7 9 10
AGENCY HIGHLIGHTS
Welcoming the Boys & Girls Club of Greenville
SURVEY LINKS
Funding needs & partner agency support.
USDA NUTRITION CORNER
Upcoming USDA produce
Grant applications are open!
HELLO HUNGER HEROES,
Welcome to a jam-packed edition of our agency newsletter, where we're celebrating the incredible work you do every single day to nourish our community! Get ready to dive into a wave of exciting updates and opportunities designed to empower you and amplify your impact.
We're talking tech! We're rolling out technology training sessions to help you expand your knowledge base and boost efficiency We're also providing you several survey links - giving you a chance to maximize the work you do in our communities as a team
We're shining a spotlight on a fellow agency that's making waves with their innovative programs, and we're thrilled to share insights into recent grant awards that are fueling our mission.
Feeling inspired? Get ready for delicious and nutritious USDA recipes that you can share with your neighbors. And that's not all! We've got lots of updates, tips, and highlights to keep you informed and energized.
Let's celebrate the power of partnership and the difference we're making together!
JenniferErdin
Let's celebrate the power of partnership and the difference we're making together!
FRIEND’S OF HARVEST HOPE
Family Health Centers is asking for support from our partner agencies. A parent liaison for Orangeburg County School District is organizing a Spring Parent Engagement Summit for parents and students at Orangeburg Wilkerson High School on March 20.
The school district has asked Family Health Centers to support by helping to organize and gather food (produce, food boxes, snap boxes, etc.). If your agency would like to support this initiative in Orangeburg County, please feel free to reach out to Katana Jones directly via email at: katana.jones@myfhc.org.
Technology Corner
We have created a running list of tips and tricks here:
SCA/Agency Portal:
• Do you see “order not closed out?” Just let the agency relations team know so we can help to get you situated!
• Pssst! There is no minimum poundage in SCA.
• HHFB will start doing inventory on the last Friday of every month. You will not be able to order on this date.
Agency Accounts:
• When sending in a check, be sure to place your agency name, and the invoice number.
• To ensure the most accurate account information, be sure to pay when you receive your invoice, not your sales order number
Picking Up:
• Notice a discrepancy with the food items you receive during pickup? Inform the agency distribution team right away, so that way they can get your missing items right then and there.
Preparing for Inspection:
• Be sure to review your inspection checklist to ensure that you have everything needed.
• It is okay to ask for forms beforehand to ensure that you have paperwork in place
• Be sure to keep your Justice for All, Written Notice, CLI, and Income Guidelines where your clients can see!
UPCOMING USDA PRODUCE
USDA Nutrition Corner
Nutritional Information:
1 cup of fresh oranges or 1 large orange counts as 1 cup of fruit in the ChooseMyPlate gov Fruit group Oranges are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories Oranges do not have cholesterol. Oranges are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system.
Uses & Tips
ComingMid-March
Nutrition Facts & Recipes for Oranges
Fresh oranges do not need to be cooked or heated Before eating, rinse orange, peel it, and enjoy Fresh oranges can be used to add sweetness to other foods For example, it can be added to plain yogurt or oatmeal Try adding thin slices of oranges to replace jam on a peanut butter sandwich or to replace syrup on pancakes and waffles Oranges are in season they are at their peak flavor and may be less expensive
Storing Foods at Home
Do not wash oranges until ready to eat. Ripe oranges should be stored in the refrigerator in a loosely sealed plastic bag.
MyPlate Facts
All forms of fruit count as part of the Fruit Group Fruits can be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried!
Cut-up oranges make a great snack any time of the day
Fiber from fruit helps to keep your heart healthy and reduce cholesterol. Fiber is important for bowel function and helps prevent constipation. Eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk for heart disease and may help prevent some cancers
AvailablenowthroughApril
AvailablenowthroughlateMarch
Orange Chicken Stir Fry
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
non-stick cooking spray
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
¼ cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size strips
2 oranges, peeled and separated into segments, segments cut in half
Directions:
Wash hands with soap and water
1 Spray a large wok or skillet with non-stick cooking spray
2. Cook chicken over mediumhigh heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, stir together pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. Add sauce and bell pepper
h kill
Delicious & healthy orange chicken stir fry with brown rice for the whole family to enjoy.
This recipe was adapted from CalFresh
Partners, developments, & Grants
Agency Highlights
Welcome to our new age
B&G club aims to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as
Please join us in welcoming the Boys & Girls Club of Greenville as one of our newest partner agencies!
The organization is one of our backpack program partners, which means they pick up backpack items, create kits, and then deliver them to the schools in their area.
We are so thankful to have another dedicated partner in the fight against food insecurity, improving the lives of children in their community
Meet the First Baptist Community Improvement Corporation
In February 2020, Rev George Windley, Jr envisioned a food pantry to serve Sumter County and surrounding communities, leading to the creation of Agency 208 (First Baptist Community Improvement Corporation-FBCIC).
Under the leadership of Chairperson Keith Ivey and Food Pantry Coordinator Lori McMichael, with support from a dedicated board and 40 volunteers, the pantry has become a vital community resource
Partnering with Harvest Hope, they've distributed over 5,400 food bags through monthly mobile giveaways, 2,700 CSFP senior boxes, and 864 prepared meals from Food Lion to local shelters over the past several years. First Baptist Missionary Church generously provides the distribution site.
Since 2020, the church has also hosted "Winter Wonderland," a Christmas toy giveaway providing gifts, bikes, and festive activities to over 350 families The event features Santa, a live nativity scene, a game truck, horse-drawn
carriage rides, and refreshments.
The church and Agency 208 are grateful for their ongoing partnership with Harvest Hope in combating hunger.
Congratulations to the following agencies for being selected for the Feeding the Carolinas Disaster Response Grant!
HIGHLAND FOOD MISSION
CHRISTIAN ASSISTANCE BRIDGE
RESURRECTION POWER MINISTRIES
MIRACLE HILL MINISTRIES CHAPIN WE CARE
Upcoming Trainings
Sign up to attend one of our upcoming trainings.
We are hosting virtual Agency Refresher Trainings in March. In any organization, especially those like food pantries, it's essential that all team members are familiar with the latest practices, policies, and regulatory requirements.
We will also be hosting Link2Feed Training during the month of April across all three branches.
Sign up for a virtual session here:
com/ARTMARCH25
THE BUDDY AGENCY PROGRAM
New Program: The Buddy Agency Program pairs existing agencies ("Buddy Agencies") with newly onboarded agencies to provide support, guidance, and insight As a Buddy Agency, you will help your new partner agency by offering tours, attending a distribution day, sharing tips, and shadowing your operations Sign up at this link:
tinyurl.com/buddyagencyprogram
Food Lion Summer Grant
The Food Lion Charitable Foundation Grant is open until March 13 All agencies are welcome to apply
The grant is for any needs that any agency has and identifies for their food pantry.
Please apply by scanning the QR code or going to: fl-gr.sponsor.com
Please use these email addresses below when you have questions and we will respond as quickly as we can Thank you for all you do to support neighbors in our community!
If you have any questions concerning your agency partnership, please reach out to agency.relations@harvesthope.org.
If you have any questions concerning programs (backpacks, holiday boxes, healthy boxes, etc) please email HHFBprograms@harvesthope.org.
Your individual Agency Relations team:
Pee Dee: Ganera Scott Midlands: Monique Perry Upstate: Sheila Cantrell
Building Closures
