The Dish | October 2023

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August At Just Food

• Households Served - 2,514

• Individuals Served - 5,409

• New Shopper Households - 418

• Number of Volunteer Hours - 1,946.25

• Number of Volunteers - 183

• Average Hours / Volunteer - 10.7

• Pounds of Recovered Food - 52,021

• Pounds of Food Donated by Harvesters - 18,409

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Budget Recipe of the Month

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Looking for a delicious and wallet-friendly breakfast option? Look no further than our Budget Recipe of the Month: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. This hearty dish combines the comforting flavors of baked apples and cinnamon with wholesome oats, making it the perfect way to start your day without breaking the bank.

Estimated Cost: $5.92/recipe - $0.99/serving

Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

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Development News

Get Ready for the 2023 Game Gala: Tickets Now on Sale!

The excitement is building as we announce that tickets for the highly anticipated 2023 Game Gala are officially on sale! Don't miss your chance to attend this thrilling event that promises an unforgettable evening of fun and entertainment. Join us on a journey filled with games, auctions, and camaraderie as we come together to support a great cause. To secure your spot at the 2023 Game Gala, click the link below and grab your tickets today! Get Your Tickets But that's not all - we are also calling upon generous donors and businesses to make this event even more remarkable. If you have an item or experience to contribute to our silent or live auctions, or if your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please check out the details at the following links:

• In-Kind Donations

• Sponsorship

Remember, all in-kind donations and sponsorship commitments must be received by October 10th to be included in our event marketing. For any inquiries or additional information, please feel free to reach out to our Director of Development, Ali Curbow, at development@justfoodks.org. Let's make the 2023 Game Gala a night to remember!

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Volunteer of the Month - Mary Harrison

Since February of 2022 Mary has been an incredibly active and involved member of our volunteer team -- she works in the warehouse, at the reception desk, and this year is a part of our Game Gala (annual fundraiser) planning team. She helps out as much as her schedule allows, covering last-minute shifts and always willing to learn new volunteer positions.

In a previous job, Mary traveled extensively around the world and has lived in London and the Netherlands. She brings her experience in budgets and planning to our event planning activities. She also keeps us in mind in the community, always looking for ways to connect us with other organizations (for example, recently bringing to our attention the services of Happy Bottoms, who we now partner with to distribute more diapers!)

She recognizes how important all of our programs and services are, and is happy to fill in wherever the need is greatest. In her spare time she likes to read, garden, cook and watch + care for her great-niece. She also recently signed up to volunteer at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

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Food Justice Partner of the Month: Checkers

We are thrilled to announce Checkers as our Food Justice Partner of the Month for October. Their dedication to supporting our mission and their outstanding contributions have made a significant impact on our efforts to combat food insecurity in our community.

In 2022, Checkers generously donated 2,816 pounds of food to Just Food. However, this year, they have gone above and beyond by providing us with an astounding 3,177 pounds of food, surpassing last year's already impressive totals. But their support doesn't stop there. Checkers has also played an essential role in our ongoing food drives throughout the year, contributing over 1,000 pounds of additional food to our cause. Moreover, their commitment to affordability has been invaluable, as they've helped us secure the best prices on non-perishable items for our upcoming Holiday distribution and provided pallets to keep our shelves well-stocked. We are incredibly grateful to Checkers for their dedication and generosity, which has truly made them an outstanding Food Justice Partner. Thank you, Checkers, for your amazing support!

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Get to Know the Just Food Staff

Paul Peach - Director of Operations

Meet Paul Peach, the man with a passion for making things run like a well-oiled machine, both at Just Food and in his personal life. As the Director of Operations at Just Food, Paul is the wizard behind the curtain, ensuring that the organization's pantry and warehouse hum with efficiency. From coordinating emergency food distributions to keeping the building in tip-top shape, he's the go-to guy when things need fixing.

But when Paul isn't busy being the operations maestro, you'll find him chasing his other passions. On a typical Saturday afternoon, he's out and about, traveling across the sunflower-studded landscapes of Kansas to play disc golf on different courses or competing fiercely in softball tournaments. When he does decide to take it easy, he's working on house projects, making his home a cozy haven for himself and his eclectic family.

Speaking of family, Paul shares his Lawrence abode with his brother, and they've got quite the menagerie. From a pig named Charlotte to a trio of feline friends, a hedgehog, and a bustling fish tank, their household is a lively one.

Paul's Lawrence roots run deep, having called this vibrant city home for a whopping 18 years. And as for his favorite annual event in town, it's all about the Jayhawks, with the start of KU basketball season being an eagerly awaited highlight.

But there's more to Paul than his role at Just Food and his Lawrence ties. He's a man of many hobbies and interests, with a background in Biology that might surprise you. Initially headed towards a career in Naturopathic Medicine, his path led him to where he is today, making Just Food and the community better one operation at a time.

And let's not forget his love for the great outdoors, target practice at the gun range, and his impressive sneaker collection, featuring a prized selection of Jordan 1's. He's also a dedicated Comicon enthusiast, always on the hunt for Predator figurines to add to his growing collection, which includes cherished treasures from his youth like GI Joes and Transformers.

The Just Food family and the Lawrence community are truly fortunate to have Paul Peach at the helm of operations. His dedication, passion, and eclectic interests make him a standout personality, and we can't thank him enough for all he does to keep Just Food running smoothly and make Lawrence a better place to call home. Cheers to you, Paul!