Archive for April, 2013

National Volunteer Week

You’re awesome.  Did you know?

 In case you haven’t heard that in a while, we are here to remind you.

April 21st-27th is National Volunteer Week.  Although we appreciate the amazing work our volunteers do EVERY day, we want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you.

Whether you have volunteered for 8 classes or you are just being trained, each of you is essential to the success of our program.  When we say, “we couldn’t do this without you”….we really mean it.  Volunteers are at the very heart of Cooking Matters.  YOU have the skills.  YOU are making the difference.  YOU are empowering families and helping fight childhood hunger in America.  We are just here to give you that opportunity.

 So, to sum up…

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STRENGTHS WITH US!!!

We know your schedules are tight, and taking the volunteer is yet another commitment on an ever-growing list of to-do’s.  But please, if you have two hours a week to spare, we really need your ongoing help.  Maybe it’s been a while since you volunteered…maybe you have completed your training but are wary about jumping into a class.  Know that we at Gleaners are here to support you.  Shoot Rebecca an email…you know she’s waiting to hear from you!

 So, to sum up…

The capacity of our program is limited by volunteer availability.   In order to help more families, we need your help first.  

We are revving up for a new batch of classes this spring/summer…so keep an eye on the calendar/newsletter for opportunities that work for you.

April 24, 2013 at 12:18 pm Leave a comment

And the Winner Is…

10 Dollar Challenge

As Cooking Matters at the Store participants take tours at 22 Walmart locations throughout the state, it’s time to reveal the winner of our $10 Challenge competition.

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It was a close competition and we had several fantastic entries. In the end, Vani Sohikian was our big winner with a total of $9.99 !  Congratulations, Vani!

Spending just one cent less, TJ Robinson is definitely knows how to maximize his food dollars. He bought a whole chicken to make whole wheat pasta with an alfredo-style cauliflower sauce and spinach, and created a banana-quinoa pudding for dessert.  He even saved the chicken bones and vegetable scraps to make soup stock.  What a thrify guy!

Thanks to everyone who participated and showed off their budgeting skills.  Eating healthy definitely doesn’t have to break the bank!

April 16, 2013 at 9:47 am Leave a comment

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USDA Statement

This material was partially funded by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This work is supported in part by the Michigan Department of Human Services, under contract number ADMIN-10-99011. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Michigan Fitness Foundation or the Michigan Department of Human Services. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, these institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720- 6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more contact the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline at (855) ASK-MICH. Space-Limited USDA/DHS/MNN Credit Statement This material was partially funded by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation. These institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability. People who need help buying nutritious food for a better diet call the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline: (855) ASK-MICH.