Newsletter - 12-01-08

Brother, Can You Spare Some Food?

It's such a beautiful church with its rustic wood exterior and its octagonal nave. Every Friday folks start lining up in the morning at St. Gregory's in Potrero Hill for the weekly food pantry that starts at 2PM.They wait patiently as the line grows and grows. Last year, the pantry served an average of 200 people each week. Last week, 800 people showed up.

At the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center Senior Program, Ruby, who is in charge of the food distribution, reports an increase in hoarding since the economic downturn. Jim at the Richmond Senior Center echoes Ruby’s recent experiences.

The numbers are up at Glide, at St. Anthony's Dining Room and food pantries all over town. Lines are longer and longer. More San Franciscans than ever are in need making the work of Food Runners that much more vital as well as more rewarding. I received the note below today from Food Runners volunteer Ian J. who performed a food run on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The run took him to several pick ups that ended with delivery at North Beach Citizens* a wonderful organization that provides a base from which the homeless residents of North Beach can rebuild their lives and reconnect with their community.

"I did my first food run on Thanksgiving a year ago! I know I'm not one of the 'regular' team as I travel a great deal, but I wanted to thank you Nancy for doing an amazing job coordinating Food Runners, and Kristie [Director of North Beach Citizens] for running such a wonderful project. The welcome that I received from her team today really made me realize what a two way street Food Runners is. The thrill for me of meeting the most wonderful people at places like The White Swan Inn**, Cheese Plus** etc., and then to really get to know some of Kristie's team makes you realize how special the Food Runners program is. So… here's to another year. It's going to be hard on so many people, but as long as we keep such a strong and healthy smile on our faces, we'll have a wonderful year."

Yes, here's to another Food Runners year of serving our great community in a most profound and basic way. In the words I've oft quoted of Food Runners Founder and Director, Mary Risley, "I don’t know how to save the world, but I do know how to help feed my neighbors."

Food Runners picked up and delivered 112,975 pounds of food in the month of November. Volunteers performed 762 runs and the truck did 235. I'm thrilled to report that Food Runners volunteer enthusiasm and numbers are at an all time high. Volunteers are falling all over themselves to get into the act. The spirit of community is wonderful to behold. Please welcome new donor Elaine Bell Catering who will be keeping the Food Runners truck busy this month with at least four late night pick ups following large events at the Concourse Pavilion and other venues. Paula le Duc Fine Catering, a long time donor is also keeping Food Runners on the go late at night in December. Picking up from a Le Duc event is a real Food Runners pleasure in every way. The Le Duc folks are always organized, ready and most importantly, the food is GREAT! The shelters believe in Santa Clause when they receive a Le Duc donation.

Holiday season has arrived. The dinners! The parties! The family feasts! If you suspect nutritious, edible food is being thrown away at get togethers you are attending, tell the restaurant, the caterer, your family and friends about Food Runners. People can't wait to help. Sometimes they just need someone like you to tell them how.

Happy Holidays!

Nancy

* For more information on North Beach Citizens, visit www.northbeachcitizens.org.

** Regular donors to Food Runners.

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