TableTalk

March/April2012Issue9

TableofContents Fill Empty Bowls for Kids Food & Farm Bill Update SNAP Myths QuickLinks Our Website Donate Now Volunteer Contact Us Facebook Twitter MakeYourVoiceHeard The key to a well-functioning democratic society is giving voice to the people and the people exercising that voice. Dear Friends, Welcome to Table Talk, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes' advocacy e-newsletter that's published six times each year. This e-newsletter will inform you on recent hunger news and legislation, as well as provide you with ways to be an advocate for hungry people in our community.

FillEmptyBowlsforKids
AttendKLFeventscenteredaroundchildhoodhunger

Every spring, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes partners with Kalamazoo Public Schools to host a series of Empty Bowls event. Schoolchildren create handmade ceramic bowls while learning about hunger issues and what KLF does in the community. The event culminates with a community meal at the school. Guests get to take one handmade bowl home as a reminder that

people exercising that voice. Click the links below to contact your legislators to let them know your stance on food insecurity in Kalamazoo County. Contact your representative Contact your senator

there's always a child in Kalamazoo without enough to eat. Most events are free, or a small donation is requested. Join us on: - March 7 @ 5:30 pm @ Arcadia Elementary School - March 27 @ 5:30 pm @ Spring Valley Center for Exploration - April 27 @ 5:30 pm @ Prairie Ridge Elementary School If you can't attend any of these events but still want to support this effort, donate online at www.kzoolf.org/donate and write Empty Bowls in the note field.

Food&FarmBillUpdate
SenatelooksatdistinctpartsoftheBill

For the past month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has held hearings focused on specific segments of the Food & Farm Bill. On March 7, they'll focus on healthy food initiatives, local production and nutrition programs, followed by a hearing on commodities on March 14. Stay tuned to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes' advocacy page at www.kzoolf.org to find out what these hearings boil down to.

MythBusting:SNAP
ReadtheTruthAboutthisImportantSafetyNetProgram

Lots of rhetoric is going around about federal programs that provide assistance to people in need, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - formerly known as food stamps. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes believes in the value of this federally-funded program that provides basic support to millions of Americans who otherwise might not have enough to eat. Click here to read some common myths about this program and the work that KLF does for hungry people in this community. If you received this e-newsletter from a friend and would like to be added to the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes' mailing list, click here.