Thursday, July 24, 2014

RECALL Notice: Sausage Product

The USDA has issued a recall notice for Sausage Product from a Wisconsin firm.  Please review the notice outlined in this link.

It is very unlikely that this product made its way to consumers as it is available only to institutions and not in grocery stores.  Still, some consumers may have been exposed, so we feel it's important to alert you.

Please print the USDA notice and post in your program area.

Thank you!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

"Sweet 2 Eat" Stone Fruits RECALLED


This recall pertains to "stone fruits" with the "Sweet 2 Eat" label that were purchased or donated between June 1 and July 12 at/from Hannaford, Trader Joe's and Sam's Club stores in Maine.  While it's unlikely that our pantry partners have any of this fruit still fresh to distribute, some consumers may have frozen or otherwise preserved this product.
Please post a sign in your pantry with this information.  Preserved fruit cannot be returned for refund, but consumers should dispose of it if they suspect it may have been "Sweet 2 Eat" product.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Hunger Action Month Resources

September is Hunger Action Month!

Hunger Action Month is a national campaign to raise awareness about hunger in America and motivate people to take action. Good Shepherd Food Bank will be engaging in many different events & activities throughout the month of September to raise awareness here in Maine.

We've compiled some resources here to help our hunger relief partners across the state mobilize their communities and supporters during Hunger Action Month. Follow the links below to access the various resources.

National Campaign Overview from Feeding America
30 Ways in 30 Days Calendar
HAM Logo (for web)
HAM Logo (for print)
Facebook Cover Image
Social Graphic 1
Social Graphic 2
Status copy for social graphics

As part of last year's Hunger Action Month activities, we asked partners to conduct a Paper Plate Campaign. We are making that toolkit available again this year in hopes that we can collect more plates to add to our growing collection. Once we have more plates, we will be able to put together a compelling exhibit for legislators, donors, and others.

Paper Plate Campaign Overview

If you have questions about Hunger Action Month, please contact Clara Whitney at cwhitney@gsfb.org or (207) 782-3554 ext. 1166 or get in touch with your Field Representative.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Action Alert: Join the National Call-in Day on July 15


This week, Congress will vote on legislation that would improve federal tax incentives for donating food and funds to food banks and other nonprofits, including food donation tax incentives and allowing donations of IRA rollovers to nonprofits. We need your help to mobilize thousands of phone calls to make sure that the House of Representatives passes this legislation.

This is the furthest we've ever gotten on seeing Congress pass legislation to strengthen tax policies to incentivize charitable giving, and we have a small but critical window to show our support. It is important that all Representatives hear from our network and people of their community how critical this legislation is. Feeding America has been working with its partners in the food industry on legislation to improve tax incentives for donated food for years, and this legislation would have a huge impact on our ability to grow our donation programs, especially produce. 

Nonprofit organizations across the country are holding a national-call in day on July 15, and we need you to add your voice to this important effort. Help us make sure food banks have the resources they need to help struggling Americans by calling today!

Calling Congress is easy!  Here’s how:
  1. Just dial our toll free number, (888) 398-8702, listen to the pre-recorded message and enter your zip code when prompted.
  2. Connect to your Representative, state that you are a constituent, and give your name and the food bank you are calling from.
  3. Let them know you are calling about food donation and charitable giving tax legislation and deliver this important message:
As your constituent and supporter/employee of Good Shepherd Food Bank, I am calling you today to ask you to support food donation tax legislation that would help our food bank feed struggling Mainers.  Please support this and other charitable giving tax legislation that would help ensure our food bank has the food and the funds needed to continue supporting those in need in our community.

    4.  Don't forget to spread the word by sharing with your local networks and on social media.

GSFB Network is a blog for partner agencies of Good Shepherd Food Bank focused on feeding Maine's hungry.