May At Just Food
Households Served - 2,340
Individuals Served - 5,118
New Shopper Households - 398
Number of Volunteer Hours - 1,822.5
Number of Volunteers - 192
Average Hours / Volunteer - 9.5
Pounds of Recovered Food - 51,900
Pounds of Food Donated by Harvesters - 544
May 2023 Food Purchasing
In addition to all food donated to Just Food through food drives, food recovery, and through other means, Just Food also purchases food for our pantry each month. Currently, we have budgeted $40,000 for purchasing food (up from spending just $2,300 per month as recently as February 2020). Soon, we anticipate that number to increase to $50,000 per month or more due to rising food costs, reduced access to donated food, and the increased need across our county.
Transparency in how we are spending that budget it important to us and we know it's important to our supporters and donors. In the spirit of that transparency, we will be sharing our monthly purchasing breakdown in each month's The Dish. We welcome your questions about how we acquire our food, any partnerships for food purchasing you may be able to help us leverage, and, of course, your donations to help us fill this ever-growing need.
Please reach out to our interim Executive Director, Aundrea at director@justfoodks.org with any questions or connections you may be able to share.
Budget Recipe of the Month
German Potato Salad
Looking for a delicious and pocket-friendly recipe to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further! We've got a fantastic German Potato Salad recipe that will leave you craving for more. Plus, it won't break the bank!
This German Potato Salad recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. It features tender potatoes tossed with a flavorful dressing made from tangy vinegar, tangy mustard, and just the right amount of sweetness.
What makes this recipe even more enticing is its budget-friendly nature. You can create a wholesome and hearty dish without putting a dent in your wallet. Simple and affordable ingredients like potatoes, onions, bacon, and spices come together to create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, as a side dish or a main course, this German Potato Salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. It's a surefire way to impress your friends and family without spending a fortune.
So, why wait? Give our budget-friendly German Potato Salad recipe a try and experience the ultimate comfort food that won't break the bank.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Estimated Cost: $4.79/recipe - $0.79/serving Recipe: German Potato Salad
Volunteers of the Month - Randy & Terry Singer
Our volunteers of the month for June are the wonderful Randy and Terry Singer! They first became involved with Just Food operations last summer through Douglas County Sustainability. Throughout the summer they visited the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday farmers' markets at the end of the day, gleaning leftover produce and dropping it off in our coolers to be put into our warehouse and food pantry the following day.
In October 2022, when the farmers’ markets were winding down, they began to volunteer in our warehouse and Terry also joined our Repack Team at Chop Shop. They both see the need for volunteers at Just Food and gain a lot of satisfaction from their time here, knowing that they’re making a difference. They’ve especially enjoyed getting to know staff and other volunteers, building rapport and relationships with everyone here. They love telling friends about the kind of volunteer work they do and spreading the word about services offered by Just Food. They both come into Just Food multiple times a week, filling in wherever there is a need. In their spare time they enjoy taking care of their grandkids and attending their sports games. They’re looking forward to an upcoming trip to Alaska as well as their granddaughter’s wedding in Chicago.
Volunteer Opportunity
🌱 Join the Just Food Family and Make a Difference! 🌱
Are you passionate about fighting food waste and helping those in need? We have an incredible opportunity for you! Just Food's Chop Shop is looking for dedicated volunteers to transform donated and rescued food into delicious ready-to-eat meals for our amazing Just Food Shoppers. 🥘🌽🥦 📆 When: Shifts every Monday through Wednesday ⏰ Time: Shifts between 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM As a Chop Shop volunteer, you'll be part of a team that works tirelessly to ensure no edible food goes to waste. Your culinary skills, big heart, and enthusiasm can make a huge impact in our community. 🌟 ✅ Basic cooking skills preferred ✅ Must be able to lift 25+ pounds and stand for 30+ minutes at a time Not only will you gain valuable experience in the kitchen, but you'll also be contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system. Plus, the smiles on the faces of our Just Food Shoppers are priceless! 😊 To become a Chop Shop volunteer and be a part of this incredible movement, email our Volunteer Manager, Julie at volunteer@justfood.org. We'll provide all the necessary training and support to ensure you feel confident and empowered in your role.
Food Justice Partner of the Month: Great Harvest Bakery & Cafe
The partner of the month is Great Harvest Bread Co. GHBC has been a partner since we started food recovery. Week in and week out, they have provided us with amazing breads and goodies. Some of our favorites include cinnamon chip and Dakota bread. They also donate muffins, scones, biscuits, and bars.
Last year GHBC donated 7,021 pounds of love. So far this year, they have provided 2,395 pounds for our shelves. Thank you GHBC for always having a donation for pick up every week! We appreciate your partnership!!
Get to Know the Just Food Staff
Julie Nelson - Volunteer Manager
Meet Julie Nelson, the vibrant and passionate Volunteer Manager at Just Food. With boundless enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, Julie ensures that the wheels of our organization keep turning smoothly. To those unfamiliar with Just Food, Julie's role involves being the driving force behind our incredible volunteers. From recruiting and training to coordinating schedules and planning appreciation events, Julie is the mastermind behind the scenes, ensuring that our volunteers feel supported and empowered to contribute their time and skills to our cause.
When Saturday rolls around, you can find Julie embracing the great outdoors with an infectious zest for life. Whether it's embarking on a picturesque hike or diving into the refreshing waters of a nearby lake (when the weather allows), Julie embraces nature's wonders and finds solace in its beauty.
Although Julie has only called Lawrence home for almost a year, their impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. From day one, Julie immersed themselves in the community, forging connections and building bridges between individuals who share a common vision of a more equitable and just society. It is this sense of community and belonging that Julie has fostered that has made them an invaluable asset to Just Food and the Lawrence area.
Among the plethora of events that grace Lawrence's annual calendar, Pride holds a special place in Julie's heart. The electrifying energy and the celebration of diversity resonate deeply with them. Julie believes in the power of love, acceptance, and embracing one's authentic self, making Pride a truly remarkable occasion that they eagerly anticipate each year.
And here's an interesting tidbit about Julie: they've lived in six countries outside of the US. This global perspective and first-hand experience of diverse cultures have shaped Julie's outlook on life and contributed to their exceptional ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Their open-mindedness and appreciation for different cultures make them an invaluable asset in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at Just Food.
We cannot express enough how much we appreciate Julie's dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Just Food and the community we serve. Their tireless efforts ensure that our volunteers feel valued, supported, and motivated to make a meaningful impact. Julie's energy, genuine care for others, and enthusiasm create a ripple effect, inspiring everyone around them to do more and be better. Just Food is truly fortunate to have Julie on board, making our organization and community a better place for all.