There is a lot of time and money spent by non-profits like the Food Bank in the process of writing grants. There’s also a lot of competition, which requires non-profits to do their homework, use discretion, and make sure that the investment in a grant application is welcomed. But once in a while, a grant… Read more »
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Food is a basic building block of health and productivity, but some food can be harmful to us. We all know about allergies that can cause certain foods to kill those who are allergic to them. But there are a number of foods that are harmful to our health and while we made not have… Read more »
A recipient at one of our food distributions recently offered to become a volunteer at the site, stating that it made him feel again like someone who was serving his country by helping others. As we approach Thanksgiving, this new volunteer and military veteran reminds us of how good it feels to allow our actions… Read more »
Isn’t it interesting that the holiday season of November and December each year actually begins with Halloween? The ghosts and goblins, witches and black cats, monsters and lots of zombies, will come knocking to welcome us into the holiday spirit with a warning, “Trick or treat!” By the way, you’re supposed to act scared, but… Read more »
On September 11, 2001 many of us were getting ready for work when the images came over the news. I was getting ready for work. I was a parish pastor then, with a full day of teaching, pastoral calls, and mid-week worship ahead. That day ended so many lives, and forever changed the lives of… Read more »
Have you ever heard the song, “Everyday People” by Reba McIntyre? The lyrics were written by Carol King. I have it on a CD and listen to it often. While I do, I think of and give thanks for the hundreds of volunteers that make our work possible in SLO Co. This is the chorus:… Read more »
You may be surprised to learn that we can have as many as four audits per year at the Food Bank. This year we got lucky; we only had three! They are the regular financial audits we are all personally familiar with. Non-profits should have an audit every year, usually by a specialized CPA, if… Read more »
July is Mid-State Fair time in SLO County. So I have to ask, “What is your favorite thing about the Fair?” If you’d like to make your response on our blog, you can share your thoughts with thousands who receive our newsletter! As for me, the best part of the Fair is the people. It’s… Read more »
One of the sources of funding for the Food Bank, as with so many non-profits, is grants from the government and private foundations. Without such grants, we would not be able to operate because the 5.5 million pounds of food that we provide to recipients is completely free. Whether directly in our distributions or through… Read more »
Recently I happened to see a documentary about a millionaire businessman who decided to live for a month as a poor person in the most impoverished area of Los Angeles. His intent was to find the agencies that truly helped people. When the month was over, he surprised those few agencies with sizable financial gifts…. Read more »