The art of food

At last Saturday's Proctor Farmers Market, a dozen artists -- members of the Proctor Art Gallery and others -- set up their easels and drawing boards to provide a demonstration of art in action. Donations and pledges received at the various artist booths will go to purchase fresh produce for the Northwest FISH Food Bank, which is located at Mason United Methodist Church, adjacent to the Market. In watercolors, oils, pencil, collage, and even wood, the artists created food- and market-themed works to the delight of the watching shoppers. So far the Art-a-Thon has raised more than $1200 in donations and pledges. Donations are still being accepted online and at the Proctor Art Gallery, located at 3811 N. 26th in Tacoma.

Below: At the Market, artist Brad Stave demonstrates his wood-turning technique in crafting a wooden spice jar.














At right: Proctor Art Gallery owner Carolyn Burt displays her painting technique. One of her finished images of the market is on the easel behind her.

Below: Painter Mary Mann sported a "Make Art, Not War" t-shirt as she worked on a still life of fresh Market produce.











Thanks so much to the Proctor Farmers Market, the Proctor Art Gallery, and all the wonderful participating artists who contributed their time and talent to make the Art-a-Thon such a success. Their efforts will make it possible for the families who come to Northwest FISH to have fresh, healthy produce as part of a nutritious diet.

Ensuring a safe food supply

Almost every week, it seems, the news media report another food product recall or an outbreak of food-borne illness. Here at FISH, as we work to provide nutritious food for all of our clients, we are also committed to keeping our food supply as safe as possible.

In March, President Obama established a Food Safety Working Group (FSWG), chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture, to coordinate Federal efforts and advise the administration on upgrading the national food safety system.

Just yesterday, the group announced its initial findings at a press conference headed by Vice President Biden. FSWG recommends three core principles:

• prioritizing prevention
  
• strengthening surveillance and enforcement
• improving response and recovery.

Read more about FSWG and its findings here.

Come to the "Art-a-Thon" and help Mason FISH

Support the arts and feed the hungry - all at the same time! Come to the Proctor Farmers' Market on Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for the first-ever "Art-a-Thon." Artists from the Proctor Art Gallery will be creating all day at the market in support of the FISH Mason Food Bank. You can make a pledge for your favorite artist or make a donation. Proceeds will allow the food bank to purchase fresh produce for distribution. For more information, please contact Carolyn Burt at 253-759-4238 or email info@betterproperties.com.

Thanks to DSHS staff

Vicky McLaurin, FISH board member and Community Relations Manager for DSHS CSD Region 5, reports that the staff of the Pierce South CSO raised $269.98 in a Penny Drive to benefit Southeast FISH. CSO staff were responding to the news that Southeast FISH served 13,117 individuals in April, a 57% increase over the same time last year.

We can provide $4 worth of food for every dollar donated, so the generous folks at Pierce South CSO have provided nearly $1100 worth of food. Thanks so much to all those who participated, to Maren Yeager for organizing the Penny Drive, and to Vicky for letting us know about it!

The FISH play for FISH

Westminster Presbyterian Church rocked last night with the sounds of Maurice the Fish recording artists who teamed up for "Will Play for Food," the second annual benefit concert for SE FISH.

Many, many, many thanks to organizer Raymond Hayden, to all the artists and to the attendees who collectively raised $1700 for SE FISH, more than doubling last year's total.

Pastor Heather James of Westminster Pres opened the show with a welcome, then turned the mic over to emcee Cliff Lenderman.

The first act was singer/songwriter Heidi Vladyka.

Members of Seven Mile Ride backed singer/songwriter Valerie Dillon before performing their own set.























Thanks again to all to helped to support Southeast FISH through last night's event. Learn more about all of the evening's artists at at Maurice the Fish Records.

Welcome to our new blog!

Welcome to FISH Wrap, your source for all that's news at FISH Food Banks! Watch this space for news, event announcements, volunteer opportunities, recipes, money-saving tips and more.

It's no news that the need for food assistance has never been greater. We've been feeding Pierce County residents in need since 1973, and we've never seen such demand at our seven food bank sites. Since the beginning of the year, our client totals have increased by 40 percent.

With such an increase in need, and so many new clients, we are constantly looking for ways to be even more responsive. If you can help, consider making a donation of time, money or food. If you need help, see our list of food bank locations. If you’re a new client, here are some simple things you should know.

We want to hear from you - what would you like to see in FISH Wrap? Email us!