Cooking Class to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

On August 11th, celebrate the premier of the new movie based on the book, Eat, Pray, Love that opens Friday August 13 at the Old Mill Regal Cinemas. Join Chef Rose Makena from Allyson’s Kitchen in Bend in tasting dishes from around the world, just as the movie’s leading lady, Julia Roberts’ character travels the world tasting dishes and searching for life’s meaning in Italy, Indonesia and India. After the first 6 students register (class holds up to 24 students), Allyson’s Kitchen will donate 10% of the proceeds to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The class is Wednesday August 11 from 6-8 pm and the cost is $60. Bikram Yoga will have giveaways during the evening. To register contact Allyson’s Kitchen at 541-749-9974. They are located at 375 Powerhouse Drive, Bend in the Old Mill District.

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Central Oregon Food Summit an opportunity collaborate and discuss building a sustainable food system

Central Oregon Food Summit, to be held September 10th, 9am-4pm at the Central Oregon Community College Student Center, Wile Hall, will provide an opportunity for diverse sectors to collaborate and discuss building a sustainable Central Oregon food system. Mark Winne, author of “Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty” is the featured keynote speaker. This conference will provide an opportunity for the public, producers, retailers, chefs, food related business and policy makers to create a community-based framework for action towards a more food secure Central Oregon. Breakout sessions include; community food projects, building local food systems infrastructure, enhancing emergency food services and community health and establishing a regional food systems council. $20 registration includes lunch. We encourage all interested to attend and get their voice in the room. It is important. Sponsors: Wy’East Resource Conservation & Development, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), OSU Extension Service, Neighbor Impact and the Northwest Health Foundation. Pre-register online at www.cofoodsummit.yolasite.com.

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CinderCone Holds Opens Studio for Empty Bowls

CinderCone, an artist run clay studio, is opening its studio on Thursday nights from 5-7:00 pm starting on June 10th running through October 28th. This is an excellent opportunity for the community to get involved with Empty Bowls and make some bowls to contribute for NeighborImpact’s Empty Bowl event November 14th. John Kinder, potter extrodinar, will be available during the open studio times to be of assistance. Please RSVP at 541-279-0343.

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Head Start is now enrolling children for the 2010-2011 school year

NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program is dedicated to helping ensure that children ages 3 and 4 from low-income families are ready for school. The Head Start Program is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Head Start builds success for children through child focused, family-centered services that enhance social competence, school readiness and overall health and well-being. Children are provided a free high quality preschool education which includes individualized curriculum, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and transportation. Head Start Classes are available throughout Crook and Deschutes counties. Space is limited.

13th Annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger

For the 13th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein of Cranston, Rhode Island, will divide $1 million among anti-hunger agencies nationwide. The Feinstein Challenge matches money donated to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank between March 1st and April 31st. NeighborImpact has set up the Virtual Food Drive on their website to help promote the Feinstein Challenge and make it easier for people to donate to the Food Program. The more money collected during the challenge, the larger percentage the Feinstein Foundation will give to the Food Bank, making this an ideal time for anyone who has considered donating to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The Virtual Food Drive can be accessed by clicking here and then clicking on the Virtual Food Drive Link. For more information, contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 x 148.

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NBC’s The Biggest Loser’s Pound for Pound Challenge Benefits Local Food Bank

NBC’s The Biggest Loser, General Mills, Subway, 24 Hour Fitness and Feeding America have partnered on the Pound For Pound Challenge, a program that encourages residents of Central Oregon and Americans across the country to lose weight nationally to help provide hunger relief locally. For every pound of weight participants pledge to lose, 14 cents will be given to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. That is the monetary equivalent to one pound of food that NeighborImpact can distribute. The Challenge runs through June 30, 2010. To join the challenge, simply visit the Pound For Pound website at www.pfpchallenge.com or www.biggestloser.com and click on the button that says PLEDGE. For every pound of weight participants pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 14 cents to Feeding America. Although it is a National Challenge, by entering your zip code and pledging for the Oregon Food Bank, proceeds will be forwarded to NeighborImpact. NeighborImpact’s Food Bank is the Central Oregon regional affiliate for the Oregon Food Bank. Approximately 14,000 people (7% of Central Oregon’s population) are accessing meal sites, brown bag sites and emergency food boxes throughout the area every month. With the rapidly increasing need for donations, everyone can do their part to their part to spread awareness of the hunger issue and become part of the solution. In addition to pledging to lose weight, at pfpchallenge.com, you can create a PFP Challenge team on Facebook, invite friends and family to join the Challenge via e mail, donate directly to Feeding America and find other tips on eating right and weight loss. For more information or for team toolkits for your organization, or to become a Challenge Champion, please contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 x 148.

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A Call to Serve: Opportunities on NeighborImpact’s Board of Directors

NeighborImpact is seeking individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. There are current openings on the board for both a Crook County Community Representative and Low-Income Representative and a Deschutes County Community Representative. NeighborImpact, a private non-profit organization, provides a wide variety of services to help persons and families envision and plan for a better future by increasing personal, financial and social assets in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. NeighborImpact also assists persons and families in crisis by helping with food, utilities, shelter and housing. NeighborImpact offers child care resources and provides early education through its Head Start program. Individuals who serve as a NeighborImpact board member will play a significant role in building success and in changing families’ lives by supporting NeighborImpact in its service to the community. For information about the Board of Directors and NeighborImpact, please contact Sharon Miller, Executive Director, at 541-548-2380 (extension 102) or sharonm@neighborimpact.org.

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