Local Eagle Scout Lends A Hand

Local teen, Matt Kluthe, constructed the compost system pictured above. Matt built the compost system as an Eagle Scout project. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank will use this system to create and sell compost from any left over produce. This compost system will also ensure nothing donated, will ever go to waste. Thank you, Matt!

Day 7 of Hunger Action Month ~ Vanity Food and Fund Drive

Fashion women’s retailer Vanity and pop band OneRepublic are teaming up to help Feeding America (the nation’s largest hunger relief organization), and Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, to “Share the Secret About Hunger” to help feed the 49 million Americans who are in need of food. Our goal is to provide 100,000 meals through an in-store food drive and CD sales.

From Tuesday, September 7 – Saturday, October 16, 2010, customers can bring in food donations, which will be used locally to fight hunger and help strengthen our communities. With EVERY food item donated, they will receive a coupon for 25% off one regular priced item!

Customers also can purchase OneRepublic’s “Waking Up” CD, featuring a Vanity-exclusive live version of their latest hit “Secrets”. Each CD sold will provide 21 meals through Feeding America (Vanity will donate $3.09 to Feeding America for each CD sold). Customers who purchase the CD also will receive a coupon for 25% off one regular priced item. Customers can enter to win a chance to see OneRepublic live in concert, meet the band backstage, receive a $500 Vanity Shopping Spree and more! Other prizes include: an iPad, iPod Shuffle, autographed CDs and gift cards.

Customers can sign up in store, they can text “Secrets” to 82746, or they can register online at eVanity.com.

**Share the Secret update - So far the Grand Rapids Vanity Store has collected 1,428 lbs of food. Keep up the great work everyone!**

Hunger Action Month 2010 - 30 Ways in 30 Days

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank is part of a national movement to raise awareness and take action to fight hunger in America.

Today, September 1st, kicks off Hunger Action Month 2010. Throughout the month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, is working to engage citizens to take action through the 30 Ways in 30 Days campaign. Individuals are asked to pledge their “way” to make a difference, and take part in the fight against hunger in America. There are five ways you can join us: Advocate, Organize, Experience, Donate, and Volunteer. Visit our website: www.secondharvestncfb.com, choose your way, and take action now!

Nationwide, more than 49 million Americans suffer from food insecurity. But hunger’s impact is felt by many more than the millions living with food insecurity: hunger impacts child development, health and wellness, education, workforce development – our general welfare as a nation. It is also an issue right here in our community – and at the local level, Second Harvest North Central Food Bank works to combat hunger and aid the hungry living right here in North Central Minnesota. Throughout September, there will be opportunities to get involved. These opportunities will range from social media initiatives to events, family activity suggestions, and ways to volunteer or support the work Second Harvest North Central Food Bank does every day. To see our 30 Ways in 30 Days Calendar visit our website: www.secondharvestncfb.com and click on the calendar tab across the top.

National sponsors of Hunger Action Month include Kraft Foods, Macy’s, The Cheesecake Factory, United Airlines and Snickers. Individuals who want to learn more, find a 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar, or take a My Way Pledge can visit Second Harvest’s website at http://www.secondharvestncfb.com/. For more information, email gretchen@secondharvestncfb.com.