October At Just Food
Households Served - 2,105
Individuals Served - 4,874
New Shopper Households - 339
Number of Volunteer Hours - 1,696
Pounds of Recovered Food - 48,445
Pounds of Food Donated by Harvesters - 8,258
Budget Recipe of the Month
Scrambled Eggs with Rice
Elevate your breakfast game with this Scrambled Eggs with Rice recipe! This budget-friendly and delicious dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs with seasoned rice for a hearty and satisfying meal that won't break the bank. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a cozy weekend brunch. Find comfort and flavor in every bite with this delightful twist on a classic breakfast staple. Visit the link for the full recipe and treat yourself to a wallet-friendly culinary experience.
Estimated Cost: $2.28/recipe - $0.57/serving
Recipe: Scrambled Eggs with Rice
Development News
Thank You!
Just Food is thrilled to announce that its recent Game Gala fundraiser was a resounding success, raising an incredible $135,068.28 to support its mission of fighting hunger in our community. The event, held at Abe & Jake's in Lawrence, Kansas, brought together 223 generous supporters for an evening of fun, games, and philanthropy. The festivities included a variety of game show-themed activities, a silent auction, and a live paddle raise. Over 745 bids were placed in the silent auction, and the paddle raise alone brought in an impressive $70,647. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the sponsors, attendees, and bidders who made Game Gala a success. Your generosity will help us provide essential food assistance to thousands of individuals and families in Douglas County. With the support of our community, Just Food can continue to provide critical nutrition and resources to those facing food insecurity. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against hunger. If you would like to be involved in future fundraising events, please contact our Director of Development, Ali Curbow, at development@justfoodks.org. Thank you for making the 2023 Game Gala a night to remember!
Make a Difference This Season with Just Food: Your Year-End Giving Guide
As the year draws to a close, it's a time to reflect on our blessings and find ways to give back to our communities. Just Food is dedicated to alleviating hunger in Douglas County and provides a multitude of opportunities to make a meaningful impact during this year-end giving season.
Amplify Your Impact with Douglas County Community Foundation's Giving for Good Campaign
Maximize your generosity by donating through the Douglas County Community Foundation's Giving for Good campaign. Your contribution will receive a 50% match, effectively doubling your impact on Just Food's mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Join the Holiday Fundraising Drive
Support Just Food's $100,000 holiday fundraising goal and help ensure that families facing hunger have access to essential food supplies during the holiday season and beyond. Your contribution will directly translate into nourishing meals for those who need them most.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Become a Just Food volunteer and dedicate your time and talents to supporting the organization's mission. From assisting with food sorting and distribution to providing administrative support, your volunteer efforts will play a vital role in alleviating hunger in our community.
Partner as a Just Food Sponsor
Explore the opportunity to become a Just Food sponsor in 2024 and align your business or organization with our mission to combat hunger. Sponsorship provides a meaningful way to connect with the community and make a lasting impact.
Organize a Food Drive
Host a food drive with your business, community group, or friends and family to collect non-perishable food items for Just Food. Your efforts will directly contribute to providing nutritious meals for those facing hunger.
Share Your Innovative Ideas
Have a unique idea to support Just Food's mission? Reach out to our Director of Development, Ali Curbow, and share your vision. We are always open to exploring new and impactful ways to address hunger in our community. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing hunger in Douglas County. Your generosity and support will play a crucial role in ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.
Volunteer of the Month - Annie Olson
In the spotlight this month is Annie Olson, a remarkable mother of four and our esteemed Volunteer of the Month. Annie is the epitome of community dedication, juggling family life while actively participating in her children's sports activities as the cherished "Team Mom."
What sets Annie apart is her unwavering commitment—volunteering an impressive 2-3 times per week. While her main focus is supporting Charles, our Community Access Manager, on the Cruising Cupboard project, Annie goes above and beyond, lending a helping hand wherever needed.
Annie's infectious positivity and kindness set the tone for fellow volunteers, creating a welcoming environment for everyone involved. Her selfless contributions serve as an inspiration, exemplifying the transformative impact of volunteerism.
We express our deepest gratitude to Annie for being an exceptional volunteer and a beacon of positivity within our community. Thank you, Annie, for your tireless efforts and for setting an outstanding example for us all. You are truly appreciated!
Food Justice Partner of the Month: Target
This month's Community Food Justice Partner is Target. Last year, Target donated an incredible 66,537 pounds of food! This year we are already at 88,591 pounds with a month remaining in the year. Week-in and week-out, Target always has something to give. Shout out to all the departments collecting items and proudly helping us load up the truck. Many thanks to everyone involved to keep our shelves stocked for the community.
Get to Know the Just Food Staff
Jess Moyer - Volunteer Manager
Meet Jess Moyer, the brand new, vibrant, and dedicated Volunteer Manager at Just Food. With a heart as warm as the Lawrence sun, Jess has been an essential part of the community for the past 20 years. When asked about her role at Just Food, she lights up, describing her mission to welcome and integrate community members into helping roles at the organization. Jess is not just a volunteer manager; she's a community builder, fostering connections that make Lawrence a better place for everyone.
On a typical Saturday afternoon, you'll find Jess engaged in a delightful juggling act—hanging out with her two wonderful daughters, Ronnie and Fiona, exploring the city with them on walks, finding zen through yoga, attending local events, or simply unwinding and going with the flow. At home, she shares her space with not just her human family but also two feline companions, Jeff and Riff, who add an extra dose of joy to her life.
An annual highlight for Jess is the Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall, a small yet cherished Lawrence event that holds a special place in her heart. It's a reminder of the beautiful memories she has made in the community since her first year in Lawrence.
Here's an interesting tidbit about Jess: three years ago, when she began volunteering at Just Food, she knew deep down that her journey would lead her to a more impactful role within the organization. Fast forward to today, and Jess is making a difference as the Volunteer Manager, using her strengths to uplift and strengthen the Lawrence community.
Jess exudes gratitude for her role, expressing, "I'm just really grateful to be in a position where I can use my strengths to better our community. Truly. I'm so happy to serve and look forward to meeting anyone and everyone that wants to be a part of Just Food." Let's extend a warm welcome to Jess Moyer, a driving force behind the scenes at Just Food, as she continues to inspire and connect the Lawrence community. We appreciate the passion, dedication, and positive energy she brings to every aspect of her work, making Just Food an even more welcoming place for all.