Archives for food security

Talk of the Towns 4/14/17

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Studio Engineer: John Greenman

Issue: Community concerns and opportunities

Program Topic: Working Towards Food Security for Maine

Key Discussion Points:

What are some of the practical ways we are addressing food insecurity in this part of the state? How do local food pantries work with the statewide Good Shepherd Food Bank?

Hunger Pains is the title of a recent report commissioned by Good Shepherd Food Bank and Preble Street. What does this report reveal about food insecurity in Maine? What stands out? How does hunger or food insecurity affect other aspects of life for those needing a hand up (learning, job performance, family cohesion)?

What are the highlights of that report, and how does the report influence how we should respond to food insecurity as a state? Are there general myths around food insecurity that listeners should be aware of?

What policy changes are called for in the report?

While we work on policy changes, what more can we be doing at the local level to work towards food security (support for food pantries, gleaning and growing food for donation to food pantries, awareness and outreach). Include results of Hancock County Food Drive

Guests:
Jennifer Jones, Bar Harbor Food Pantry
Emily Herweden, Healthy Acadia
Clara Whitney, Good Shepherd Food Bank

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Talk of the Towns 3/14/14

Producer/Host: Ron Beard
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Issue: Community concerns and opportunities

Program Topic: Getting food to people in need in Hancock County

Key Discussion Points:

1. Katie provides context for Healthy Acadia’s overall work on food systems, the notion of food security, and how that led to their support for gleaning, food pantry networking and the food drive
2. Hannah describes the gleaning initiative, her recent work on food waste and how that connects with food waste initiatives in Europe, Barcelona conference, etc
3. Rick describes the work of Tree of Life food pantry, who it serves, how it is organized and supported, what success they have had, what challenges they face, advice to those wanting to help or work in their own communities… Katie mentions other food pantries and their ongoing networking meetings
4. Kara describes Welcome Table as one of several area responses to the issue of hunger… what was the inspiration to start, how it is operated, who it serves, examples of success and challenges, advice to those wanting to help or work in their own communities
5. Susan describes the history of the county food drive, who it will help, how this one is being organized, how people, local organizations, local businesses can help out…
6. We wrap up by summarizing the several ways listeners can get involved, and those guests in the studio share what inspires them about this work and what their longer term hopes are…

Guests:
Katie Freedman, Healthy Acadia
Hannah Semler, Gleaning Coordinator, Healthy Acadia
Susan Farley, Washington-Hancock Community Agency
Rick Traub, Tree of Life Food Pantry, Blue Hill
Kara Ibarguen, Welcome Table, Ellsworth

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Talk of the Towns 3/9/12

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Engineer: Amy Browne
Issue: Community concerns and opportunities for citizen involvement
Broadcast Time: 10- 11 AM
Program Topic: Food Security and Food Pantries
Key Discussion Points (list at least 3):
· How are you framing the question of food security (and difference from hunger)?
· What is the extent of food insecurity in this part of Maine? How does Maine compare to the nation or region?
· What factors lead or contribute to food insecurity / hunger in eastern Maine?
· How are communities, agencies and organizations responding?
· What are ways for addressing the issue in the short run?
· What are the longer term, structural solutions and policies needed to address food security?
· Where do local food pantries fit into the spectrum of short and longer run solutions?
· How are food pantries organized and supported in this part of Maine?
· What trends insure food pantry food provides needed calories but is also healthful?
Marjorie’s interview covered the basics of the food drive:
What led to the creation of this particular food drive?
What is different about this food drive (incentive for matching cash donations)?
How is the drive organized to achieve its goal of 10,000 plus items?
How do listeners get involved?
Beyond the food drive, how is Extension helping address food security? (education on growing, preparing and preserving food, support for food pantries, encouragement for Master Gardeners and others inMaine Harvest for Hunger)
Contact info for listeners wanting to learn more, get involved Beyond success in this and other food drives, what are your hopes for how we address the issue of food security as a community and as a nation?

Guests by name and affiliation:
A) Sara Yasner, United Way of Eastern Maine
B) Susan Farley, Washington-Hancock Community Agency
C) Jim Tintle, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
D) Marjorie Peronto, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
(in pre-recorded interview)

Call In Program: Yes
Political Broadcast: No

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