2016 Spring Newsletter

Spring 2016 Newsletter  Speaker's Forum featuring Jordyn Lexton: Thank you for your support Thank you to all those who helped make The Speaker’s Forum a success. Hearing Jordyn Lexton’s story truly inspired many conversations to ignite new work right here in Indianapolis. Through event attendees, our sponsors and the community, The Patachou Foundation raised over $80,000 to support our 2016 operations. On the 18th of February, Jordyn explained that like the Patachou Foundation’s mission, Drive Change's concept is simple: to hire youth from the criminal justice system and train them with job skills using food truck as a living classroom. Jordyn’s own awakening to the problems of the criminal justice system gives hope for grassroots efforts to make a system-wide change in New York as well as our own work to fight hunger here in Indianapolis.  The funds raised from The Speaker’s Forum will continue to propel our mission forward by serving over 16,000 meals in 2016 and by teaching food-insecure children about making healthy choices. Want to stay up to date? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for pictures and news about our daily work in the community. By the numberssince 2013   The Patachou Foundation is growing strategically We recognize it takes more than just feeding bodies to change food insecurity—it takes a holistic approach. Through our meal services and education programming we combat food insecurity at its core to break the cycle of hunger in our community. Similar to Patachou Inc.’s vision, The Patachou Foundation aims to achieve strategic growth through a radically different and radically better approach to service. By 2020, we are dedicated to: Making a measured effect on hunger in our community by reaching 1,000 individual students annually. Increasing our volunteer base to 150 volunteers actively engaged each month at every level our organization. Expanding our fundraising support for our growing impact in the community through diversified sources. Watch the video above to hear The Patachou Foundation educator and Patachou employee, Bridgett McDaniels-Russell, as she shares why she is motivated to volunteer. Like many volunteers, her personal story of overcoming food insecurity drew her to volunteer with The Patachou Foundation to fight food insecurity in our community. Volunteer Spotlight In 2015 The Patachou Foundation served over 9,500 meals to food-insecure children in local community schools and taught over 600 hours of education programming. Without the help of the community and outstanding volunteers that simply would not be possible. This quarter we are highlighting Colleen Rocap, who began volunteering at The Patachou Foundation during the Fall of 2015 as a mealtime volunteer. Since then, Collen combines her passion for children with her personal focus on healthy living to impact the lives of students on a weekly basis through both meals and weekly education sessions. Why do you volunteer with The Patachou Foundation? I volunteer with The Patachou Foundation because its mission is one that I support and hold very close to my heart. About a year ago, I was made aware of just how serious Indy's issues are surrounding food insecurity and food deserts and felt compelled to fight it. Once I heard about TPF, signing up to volunteer was a no-brainer. I do it because the kids are awesome, and so are the volunteers! What do you enjoy most about volunteering with The Patachou Foundation? Is "everything" an acceptable answer? From knowing the kids go home with full bellies, to the hugs that nearly knock me over, to witnessing those "ah-ha" moments when they learn something new and exciting about real food... every moment, big or small, is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.  Why is volunteering important to you? Volunteering is important to me because it's the most direct and immediate way to create change and positively impact who and what you care about. It's a chance to "vote" through action for what kind of community you want to live in now and in the future. I think I can speak on behalf of all of all TPF volunteers when I say we volunteer because we want to live in a city and world where hunger is non-existent. Mark your calendar for First Fridays on the Farm! It’s never too early to start planning for the summer! This summer, The Patachou Foundation will continue its First Friday on the Farm fundraisers at Public Greens: a night of harvesting, good food and even better company. The first edition of First Friday on the Farm will be Friday, June 3rd. Reserve your seat today. Are you following us on social media? Stay up to date with news, fundraisers and special events for The Patachou Foundation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  Get involved! The Patachou Foundation is looking for full-time college summer interns. Click here to learn more.   The Patachou Foundation in the news Check out the links below to keep up with The Patachou Foundation's recent news coverage.  Inside Indiana Business  Fox 59 WTHR Channel 13 IndyStyle On the Calendar March 17 - Health and Wellness Speaker Series by Indy Urban League  April 7 & 8 - Patachou Foundation Volunteer orientation and callout- Sign up online May 1 - Summer volunteer opportunities posted to volunteer signup portal. June 3 - First Friday on the Farm at Public Greens July 1 - First Friday on the Farm at Public Greens August 5 - First Friday on the Farm at Public Greens September 2 - First Friday on the Farm at Public Greens Tuesdays in the Spring- Volunteer with Growing Places Indy on the microfarm at Public Greens- Contact Farmer Kate THE PATACHOU FOUNDATION'S MISSION: To feed wholesome meals to food-insecure school children in our community and teach them to create healthy habits.