Teleconference Minutes — January 10, 2001

The meeting was called to order by chair, Sam Castle-Kirstein at 3:30 PM

In attendance:

Fairbanks - Wendel Otness (Rescue Mission), Sam Castle-Kirstein (Fairbanks Food Bank)
Wasilla - Betty Mercer (Senior Services)
Dillingham - Roy Hiratsuka (Bristol Bay Native Assn.)
Kodiak - Trevor Jones (Kodiak Food Bank/Baptist Mission)
Juneau - Jim Dalman (Public Assistance), Joan Gone (DHSS Child Nutrition)
Nome - Jane Combo (Nome Community Center)
Auke Bay - Ellen Northup
Kenai - Jim Fischer, Jerry Bookman, Pat Vincent, Mel Dunn (Kenai Food Bank) Anchorage - Diane Disanto (DHSS), George Hieronymus (Bean's Café), Juan San Miguel (Salvation Army Older Alaskans), Sara Jackson (Catholic Social Services/St. Francis House), Eric Cox (United Way), Fran Butzke (MOA), Spencer Ziegert (UAA), Ernie Fleece (Anchorage Latino Lions), Diane Peck (DHSS/Nutrition), Dorothy Boatright (AK Youth & Parent Foundation), Nancy Napolli (ADEC/EH Food Safety & Sanitation), Sherry Hill (Catholic Social Services), Catherine Curtis (Governor Knowles Office), Gretchen Mangwbang (DCED/Operation Renew Hope)

Introduction: Sam brought the meeting to order at 3:30 PM and participants introduced themselves.

Minutes: Sam asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of the October 17, 2000 meeting. Hearing none, George moved to approve the minutes as written. Sara seconded. None opposed.

Treasurer's Report: George then gave the treasurer's report: the Coalition has received $22,500 of the $90,000 grant for this fiscal year. A check for $2,500 has been mailed to Fairbanks to cover the projected expenses for the creation of the website. There are no outstanding bills at this time. St. Francis House submitted a grant request in the amount of $1,000 for computer support for their food pantry.

A discussion followed concerning the appropriateness of requests for computers as food pantry "equipment". Sam had some reservations in this regard and fear that the granting of one request might lead to subsequent requests that would quickly deplete the $15,000 set aside for special projects. Sara stated that she felt the request was appropriate in view of the continual demand for more accurate and more detailed statistics to justify client need. Consistent data collection among members is also one of this year's objectives of the Food Coalition. The computer equipment that St. Francis House currently uses is sorely inadequate to produce the necessary reports. Diane, Jim Dalman and George agreed that the request was not incompatible with the purpose of the grant. Jim Fischer had no objections to the passing of this grant, but commented that there might be other sources, such as the Rasmusson Foundation. George moved to grant the request and asked if there were any objections. There were none. The motion passed.

New Business: George suggested that we have another check signer on the account to avoid delays when one of the present signers in unavailable. There was discussion, which ended in the decision to add the Vice Chair, Wendell Otness, to the list of signers.

Sam asked members to review the membership list online and make corrections. She also encouraged us to add whatever links we want to the page. The webmaster can be reached at webmaster@alaskafood.org.

Each site reviewed their progress in advocating for free and reduced school meal programs. Joan Gone, representing Kathleen Wayne, gave everyone the most up to date information on participation in each district. Joan said that there is a PowerPoint presentation and video available for use in educating school boards and administrative personnel to the importance of making breakfast available to all students. There was a discussion of possible barriers to the utilization of this resource. One key barrier is the lack of kitchen facilities in the newer schools. Lunches are prepared in a centralized kitchen and delivered. Betty did some great advocacy in Wasilla and Palmer. She found out that breakfast is not served anywhere and the problem seems to be lack of kitchen facilities. She has written to all the school board members and the mayors of both communities. They need to build a kitchen, or rent one in another building. There was also a discussion of why kids do not use some of the existing breakfast programs. Main problem there was thought to be that it was offered too early and kids that take the bus do not get to school in time to take advantage of it. Joan thought it would be a good idea to do a survey of why kids are not using these programs. Sam encouraged Coalition members to keep working on this issue.

Juneau Report Jim Dahlman gave up the highlights of the New Food Stamp provisions that take effect this coming July. Most vehicles will be excluded from income consideration. Food stamp eligibility will be extended for up to 3 months after income increases. Unfortunately, most legal immigrants are still excluded except for asylees and elderly disabled. - The Quest card is working well. - There was a question about the status of the welfare "leavers" study. Spencer Ziegert said that we should have the report by the April meeting. - Jim said that the welfare system was moving away from requiring monthly reports, making things simpler for recipients. Ellen said that was great because people often have difficulty with the monthly reporting process. She also commented that she is serving a lot of "working poor". One of her clients is working three jobs and still struggling to meet expenses.

Legislative Connection: Sam reminded the members to contact their local legislators and invite them to their food distribution sites. This will make our visit to Juneau more effective.

Juneau Meeting Dates for the Juneau Meeting were discussed and March 24, 25 and 26 were suggested, with the executive committee meeting one day prior and one day after the general meeting. Eric moved to accept these dates and Juan seconded the motion. None opposed. Diane reminded members that the Food Coalition would provide transportation to the meeting. Members are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Ellen said that she would put someone up on her couch. There is a bed and breakfast that has provided a free room in the past. Check with Diane if you are interested, or watch for more information on the webpage.

One of the things we will be discussing in Juneau is the possible expansion of our present grant. We would like to build capacity; possibly acquiring some of the funds made available by the reduction in the welfare roles. Jim Dahlman said it would depend upon how we propose to use the funds. Jim Fischer asked if he could get a copy of the cut sheet that the legislature uses. Diane said that they would get back to him on that. Jim and Diane encouraged people to attend a meeting in Anchorage on January 19 entitled "Welfare Reform/What's Next" that will discuss where the state is at and what is to come in this process. Diane is sending out agendas for the meeting.

Open Comment: Diane Peck announced that she received a grant to promote Farmer's Market to seniors. She will be giving out $20.00 coupons and nutrition information and recipes to encourage seniors to try the Farmer's Market. She will also be offering a Food Safety Class on January 23. This is a two hour class that provides a certificate and meets the Anchorage Municipal requirement for training for pantries that distribute canned and packaged food. There is no charge for the class. Anyone interested in attending should call the Food Bank of Alaska at 272-3663.

Kenai asked to receive a mailing list and was referred to the website. Some one asked if the "leavers" study will be posted on the website. That would be a great idea.

Meeting Adjourned