The Iroquois WISE Coalition has joined forces with Gleaners Food Bank and EarthWorks Gardens of Capuchin Soup Kitchen. We are able to purchase foods at a greatly discounted price from Gleaners with the understanding they we will also distribute food to those that come to them asking for food. (They are not a distribution center to walk-ins). We work in the EarthWorks gardens where organic vegetables are grown by the Growing Healthy Kids and the Urban Youth FarmStand gang; we also collect free bread from a local bakery for distribution.

We are grateful for all gifts received, and are especially appreciative to the volunteers who help sponsor the program:

• DeJuan Johnson and the Youth Farm Stand Gang, who distribute food harvested from the EarthWorks Gardens free to persons in the Food Bank lines who are on food stamps; Joanne & Bill Grierson and food bank recipients, who pickup and sort the foods for distribution; the Cornerstone 5th Grade students who pack the bags for handout; and the many volunteer workers from the food line who help pass out the food on Fridays, and who help to keep things going smoothly.

This past winter we were able to continue providing fresh produce items, and frozen and canned meats, in addition to the canned vegetables and breads with donated funds. Additional money donations are always needed to maintain these programs. This summer applicants in the food lines have often increased from 100 to 140+. We believe this is due to work layoffs and the trickle down effect of businesses closing.

Again many thanks to our contributors and volunteers. Please keep up the good work. Christ Iroquois  believes it their duty to reach out to others in need and are proud to be a part of this mission.