Share Our Strength’s Post

Exciting announcement! Military Family Advisory Network is thrilled to welcome Instacart to the #MFANetwork Pilot -- a collaborative program designed to make military moves a little easier and address vulnerabilities associated with a recent move.   According to MFAN research, moving puts families at higher risk of food insecurity. While many expenses are reimbursed, families are often stretched to cover upfront costs like first and last month rent, and when you move every 2.5 years, it can feel very difficult to get ahead.   Now, MFANetwork program participants experiencing food insecurity can receive $100 in monthly Instacart Health Fresh Funds stipends for three months upon relocation (not to mention a PCS Starter Kit valued at more than $150 chock full of items that families have to replace following each move). This tangible support will make a difference for so many... and there is much more to come!   Instacart joins the Walmart Foundation, Tyson Foods, Umoja Supply Chain Solutions, and our nonprofit partners in this truly collaborative effort. And, we are excited to announce more partners soon! Thank you, Abby Majlak, J.D. Harrison, Laura Anderson, Jessica Roey, and the entire Instacart team. https://lnkd.in/gGKEgZg9

🌟 Let's Shine a Light on Corporate Kindness 🌟 I had the privilege of witnessing something truly heartwarming yesterday. During my trip to Edmonton this week, I stopped by the Brewery District Shoppers Drug Mart. While waiting in line, I saw two homeless men approach another cashier. Unsure of what would happen next, I watched as the cashier greeted them with genuine smiles, offering each of them bottles of water and asking if they'd like "their snacks." To my surprise, she had a basket full of goodies tucked away under her till, a practice initiated by their manager to support those in need in the downtown core. As I left the store, I saw the men unpacking their "snack bags" with gratitude, which included a bagel and a bottle of Boost. Later that evening, I visited Cobbs Bakery for a fresh loaf of bread but arrived just after closing time. However, I witnessed something equally inspiring – the staff loading unsold baked goods into a van. When I inquired, they explained that they donate all unsold products to local food insecurity organizations every single night. In a world often filled with negative news, it's essential to highlight acts of kindness. If you've witnessed or experienced similar instances of corporate caring, I encourage you to share them below and tag the unsung heroes making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Let's spread the positivity together! 🌍💙 #KindnessMatters #CorporateKindness #SpreadKindness #ActsOfKindness #CommunityImpact #PayItForward #PositivityInAction #MakingADifference #GoodDeeds #PositiveImpact #SocialGood #BeTheChange #KindnessInspires #GivingBack #HelpingHands

We provide groceries and healthy foods in multiple ways, each meeting different situations that program participants may be facing: 🛒 Our in-person community market allows shoppers to pick their own grocery items, as well as sit down with our Benefits Services team to assist with federal benefits they may qualify for. 🚗 Our drive-thru, which started as a pandemic initiative but is still used today, allows pantry visitors to receive groceries without leaving their car. Boxes of healthy, seasonal foods are packed by rockstar volunteers and then loaded into each car. We also offer specialty boxes that are particularly diabetes-friendly, as well as a Latin flavors box with culturally relevant foods like tortillas. 📦 Our Home Delivery program provides groceries to individuals and families who may be mobility-impaired, older, or otherwise cannot shop in-person or through the drive-thru. Orders are taken each month, packed by volunteers, and delivered directly to clients' doorsteps. To learn more about all of Beyond Hunger's hunger-relief programs, visit www.gobeyondhunger.org! #GoBeyondHunger #foodpantry #drivethru #homedelivery #endhungernow

To reach more hungry families, one #Texas nonprofit is setting up mini food markets in schools. The Tarrant Area Food Bank in North Texas provides 60 million meals a year to families in 13 counties. It's taking the food directly to school campuses in some lower-income neighborhoods, with what it calls "Ready-to-Learn-in-School Markets." Food Bank President and CEO Julie L. Butner M.S., R.D./L.D. said the markets have changed the way they're helping the community. "And the markets are very much like a retail experience," said Butner, "where the kiddos or the parents can go in and do shopping and get the foods that they want, that they know their families will enjoy." The area served by the food bank has food insecurity rates that range from just over 10% in Denton County, to more than 17% in Hamilton County. Butner said more food banks across the country are partnering with school districts to operate on school campuses. She said they hope to have 100 in-school markets by the end of the year. The markets are established in areas that are deemed food deserts, meaning there isn't a grocery store within a one mile radius of the school - and at least half of the students qualify for free breakfast or lunch. In addition to addressing the need for food, Butner said the markets also teach valuable skills to students. "They're helping stock the shelves, helping family members select products, checking family members in that are receiving products," said Butner, "because you do need to qualify in order to enter the market." According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the number of households experiencing food insecurity rose from almost 34 million in 2021 to more than 44 million in 2022.

Food is so much more than fuel, especially for kids. By supporting organizations like FoodCorps, the Walmart Foundation is continuing our efforts to help people live better, healthier lives: 🍎 Kids in schools with more FoodCorps hands-on learning activities eat up to 3x as many fruits and veggies as students who receive less hands-on learning. 🏫 73% of FoodCorps alumni continue to make an impact through careers in policy, education, and public health. 🥕 59% of students increase their preferences for vegetables after receiving FoodCorps lessons. The numbers are encouraging – but witnessing the impact firsthand was truly inspiring. #WorldHealthDay

As you do your weekly, don't forget to #CheckOutHunger at the register! Adding $5 to your grocery trip at Giant Eagle, Inc. or Dave's Supermarkets can help feed a child or senior for nearly a week! #WeFeedCLE Learn more about our annual #HarvestForHunger campaign here: HarvestForHunger.org

Help Us Fight Food Insecurity in Texas Did you know that nearly 4 million Texans struggle with food insecurity? That's about one in every eight residents, facing a daily challenge to find enough food for a healthy, active life. Our PB&J Days model shows how we can make a real impact together. If just 47,619 people contribute $20 each, we can make enough PB&J sandwiches to make a significant difference. This represents less than 1% of our state’s population coming together to fight food insecurity. One sandwich may seem small, but it can be the first step toward discussions to provide greater assistance and support for those in need. It all starts with a sandwich. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can solve this. To learn more about how you can start a PB&J Day in your area or support us directly in San Antonio, please go to our website, pbandjdays.com. #food #SpreadKindness #pbandjdays #MakeADifference #help #service #homeless #endhunger

Always appreciate conversations and articles about Free Spirit books. These picture books are so important.

ZISCUIT SUBSCRIPTION BOX DELIVERIES Ziscuit is getting traction. I am preparing a Grocery Food Box order for a local Dallas County, Alabama customer. Alabama is the 6th poorest state in the US. Selma is the 9th poorest city in the country. If we are going to fight food deserts, we need a different solution. We think we have the answer. Check us out at www.ziscuit.shop Don’t Risk It. Just #Ziscuit! #fooddeserts #fooddeals #fooddeliveries #foodinsecurity

Rising and Shining: Demystifying the Art of Baking Bread Kora is thrilled to highlight the inspiring journey of Kitty Tait who has turned her passion for baking into a mission to share the joy and simplicity of making bread with the world. Featured in Positive News, Kitty’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and community impact. 🌱 The Journey: Kitty Tait, along with her father Alex, started the Orange Bakery in Watlington, Oxfordshire. Baking helped Kitty overcome a period of severe depression, giving her a sense of purpose and joy. What began as a therapeutic hobby quickly evolved into a successful business, capturing the hearts of many through their delicious creations and engaging social media presence. 🍞 Breaducating Britain: Through her project, Breaducating Britain, Kitty aims to demystify the process of baking bread, making it accessible to everyone. The initiative has distributed around 40,000 free bread kits to schools, prisons, food hubs, and individuals, promoting the mental and physical health benefits of baking. 🌍 Community Impact: The Orange Bakery’s success has not only been a personal triumph for Kitty but also a beacon of hope and empowerment for the community. The bakery has become a hub for learning and sharing, fostering a sense of connection and well-being. Learn more about Kitty Tait’s mission to bring the art of bread-making to everyone: https://lnkd.in/e_Rr4YUg #Inspiration #MentalHealth #Community #Baking #Sustainability #KoraForSDGs #PositiveChange