DESCRIPTION: Working to promote and advance The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ mission of reducing hunger and increasing food security in the local community, the Communications Coordinator’s primary responsibilities are to maintain and expand The Food Bank’s presence on the web and through traditional media. S/he should be an effective communicator who applies a solid foundation in writing to emerging and evolving technologies as well as The Food Bank’s regular print publications, such as the quarterly newsletter and the annual report. Working closely with the Communications and Marketing Manager, the Communications Coordinator will join The Food Bank as part of the Development and Marketing team  responsible for all fundraising, publicity, and public relations for Western Massachusetts’ largest hunger-relief charity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Responsibilities

• Deliver messages and promote activities across multiple online channels, using appropriate tone and content
• Develop online messaging for general consumption and for a variety of specific audiences
• Assist with other communications needs, as directed

Website

• Update content on Food Bank website weekly
• Provide website maintenance and troubleshooting using the WordPress CMS platform
• Draft posts for Food Bank blog

Social Media

• Update Food Bank social media accounts on a daily basis per social media strategy guidelines/calendar
• Implement new social media strategies as they are developed
• Work with external partners to carry out collaborative online marketing campaigns (including virtual Food Drives, FirstGiving.org, etc)

Communications & Marketing

• Assist with creation of content for Food Bank newsletter and e-newsletter
• Coordinate and collaborate with other departments on the creation and approval of materials to be used by external audiences

Media Relations

• Draft press releases and media advisories
• Maintain and expand media contact database
• Track all media hits and impressions via traditional and social media

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-2 years experience in corporate or non-profit communications
• Proficiency with WordPress CMS and social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) is essential, as is an ability to build engagement through these various online tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Excellent writing skills are critical, including an ability to write effective press releases, talking points, and op-eds
• Team-player with superior interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Exceptional oral communication skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize a number of projects

ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE A PLUS):

• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).

Last week, the committee voted to slash the budget for SNAP by more than $33 billion – a cut that is sure to have widespread consequences for the millions of households who rely on its benefits.  This devastating reduction in funding is a misguided attempt at addressing deficit reduction, one that seems to ignore the true problems and instead chooses to place the burden of reduced spending on those who are in need of the benefit of food assistance.  A benefit which helps some of the most vulnerable among us make ends meet.

This course of action by the House Agriculture Committee is confusing to say the least, as the decision by the committee members seems to indicate their belief that hunger is not a real problem in the US, or at least in their communities.  The numbers however paint a much different picture.  A recent analysis on food hardship by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) shows that food hardship and SNAP usage in the mostly rural districts of the committee members is just as prevalent as in the rest of the country.  In fact, the number of rural households (14.6 %) which rely on SNAP is much higher than that among suburban households (9%) and is comparable to central city households (14.8%).

The fact of rural hunger is something to bear in mind especially here in Western Massachusetts, where one can find a large number of rural communities, particularly in Berkshire country.  The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and our member agencies work hard to provide all of our communities, rural and urban alike, with the food assistance they need and deserve, because no one should be in danger of going hungry. 

DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Director of Development & Marketing, the Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager position is dedicated to securing support for The Food Bank’s programs from foundation, corporate and government sources for operating, capital and endowment purposes. In addition, the Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager is responsible for the maintenance and tracking of grants and gifts received.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Prepare foundation, corporate and government grant proposals
• Prepare and submit timely interim reports, final reports and other necessary requirements to funders
• Cultivate and manage key funding and sponsorship relationships with significant foundation and corporate sponsors with the Director of Development & Marketing, the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Manage tracking of grants received, and analyze pending or anticipated grants; manage gift lists for current and prior fiscal years
• Identify new sources of support and create research profiles on existing funders and prospects
• Ensure proper crediting of foundation, corporate and government funders to programs throughout the organization for inclusion in published materials
• Work closely with staff to become thoroughly familiar with all organizational activities, and communicate them in a compelling manner to funders both verbally and in writing
• Represent The Food Bank and its programs in meetings, site visits, and phone conversations with foundation, corporate and government representatives

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelors degree
• Between three and five years previous experience in foundation fundraising, corporate fundraising, grant writing, prospect research, and/or related areas.
• Extensive knowledge of foundation and corporate funding community
• Proven track record in donor cultivation and securing support from foundation and corporate sources
• Exemplary writing, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet grant and reporting deadlines
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office and Excel with

JOB PREFERENCES
• Knowledge of Raisers Edge

REPORT TO: Director of Development and Marketing

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer encouraging excellence through diversity. Please mail resume and letter of interest to: The Food Bank, PO Box 160, Hatfield, MA 01038 or email at jobs@foodbankwma.org Search will continue until position is filled.

THE FOOD BANK IS A FRAGRANCE FREE WORKPLACE. WE ASK THAT ALL CANDIDATES INVITED TO INTERVIEWS REFRAIN FROM WEARING STRONG FRAGRANCES OR PERFUMES.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, marital or familial status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 202/720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) is the largest source of funding that makes our work at The Food Bank possible.  In 2010 the program provided 2.4 million pounds of food (31% of all the food we received that year) and $179,000 in operating support to the Food Bank.

Over the past few years, MEFAP has been level funded at $11.5 million and the Governor’s recent budget proposal makes no attempts at bucking this trend.  This stagnation in funding for the program has occurred in spite of a significant increase in demand for emergency food at food pantries all across the Commonwealth and the rapid increase in food prices on items that are most in demand, like peanut butter.

In fact, if our member agencies had to choose one item to receive from The Food Bank, it would likely be peanut butter, for its high protein and shelf stability.  In the past few months, peanut butter prices have risen 58 percent.   Because of this and similar price increases, The Food Bank is able to provide less food with the money we receive through MEFAP, even though more families need help accessing food than in recent years.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is calling for an increase in MEFAP spending (2511-0105) from the proposed $11.5 million to a greatly needed $15 million.

Funding for SNAP administration is our other area of concern going into the budget process.  The program’s funding is divided between both the Federal and State governments, with the Federal covering the cost of the actual benefits and leaving the administrative costs of the program in the hands of the state.  This administrative arm is the DTA (Department of Transitional Assistance) and has its funding allocated by the Massachusetts state budget.  In the Governor’s FY13 Budget the DTA worker account would be increased to $64.2 million compared to the current appropriations of $57.5 million.  However, during the current fiscal year the state is also using roughly $3.3 million for DTA workers that has come from another source of one-time funding.  As a result, the proposed increase in spending is only about $3.3 million.  This increase leaved the DTA worker fund effectively level to the amount allocated in FY12, which falls short of what is truly needed to address the unmanageable SNAP and cash assistance caseloads, meaning that individuals in need will continue to experience unacceptable problems when trying to access these benefits.  We would like to see an increase in the DTA worker fund to $70.2 million in the budget proposal.

For these programs to getting the sufficient funding required to continue having an impact on those in need, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts needs your help.  Below you will find a list of some of the Western Massachusetts representatives who sit on the House Committee on Ways and Means, all of whom have a direct hand in the creation of the budget proposal.  Reach out to them through whatever means you prefer, but just let them know how you feel about these crucial budget items.  By contacting your state representatives you can make your voice heard in the fight against hunger.  For more information about our vision for these programs and how to find and contact your representatives visit our advocacy page.  There you will find an stock email that you can send to our Western Mass. representatives below.

Western Mass reps on the Mass. House Ways and Means Committee:

Stephen Kulik (vice chair of committee): Setphen.Kulik@masshouse.gov  District office phone: 413-665-7200, District office fax: 413-665-7010, Boston office phone: 617-722-2380, Boston office fax: 617-722-2847

Angelo J. Puppolo: Angelo.Puppolo@masshouse.gov  District office phone: 413-596-4333, Boston office phone: 617-722-2090, Boston office fax: 617-722-2848

Thomas M. Petrolati: Thomas.Petrolati@masshouse.gov District office phone: 413-589-7303, District office fax: 413-547-0435, Boston office phone: 617-722-2255, Boston office fax: 617-722-2846

Benjamin Swan: Benjamin.Swan@masshouse.gov District office phone: 413-739-8547, District office fax: 413-739-8572, Boston office phone: 617-722-2680, Boston office fax: 617-722-2846

• Participate with executive leadership team in organizational development and strategic planning activities.  Ensure that established objectives are met or exceeded
• Direct development, implementation, monitoring and results of divisional annual work plans
• Direct all planning of   warehouse, distribution, food sourcing and facilities functions to include long-term departmental goal setting, work planning, and  operational analysis and evaluation
• Direct the budgeting process for the division to include budget development, management and regular monitoring
• Direct materials and equipment procurement for food distribution, warehouse and facilities functions
• Directly supervise Warehouse, Food Distribution and Facilities Managers.  Direct hiring and staff development.  Ensure effective development and establishment of standards of management performance. Ensure development, implementation, adherence to, and continuous improvement of  operating policies and procedures and Feeding America standards
• Ensure organizational compliance with OSHA, USDA, LEED, Feeding America, local Board of Health, food industry and other relevant licensing and permitting bodies

FOOD DISTRIBUTION,  WAREHOUSE AND SOURCING

• Direct effective management of all food distribution, warehouse and sourcing operations
• Direct transportation logistics and scheduling of pick-ups, transportation and delivery, food handling & storage; oversee all on-site and off-site Food Bank warehouse locations
• Lead daily staff meetings, cross-departmental and project meetings; lead staff retreats
• Direct inventory management systems; ensure verification of inventory accuracy as needed through physical inventories and/or cycle counting. Promptly notify the Executive Director of any significant discrepancies.  Implement additional inventory measures as necessary
• Work closely with the Director of Programs to ensure alignment of Food Operations Division goals and objectives with those of the Programs Division, particularly Agency Relations, Brown Bag and Nutrition Education
• Direct food sourcing goals and objectives, working closely with the Development and Marketing Director. Oversee effective management of food sourcing activities to include proactive, regular cultivation and food sourcing of current and prospective donors
• Responsible as lead liaison to the Food Operations Committee of the Board of Directors.  Responsible
  for regular reporting of Food Operations Division metrics and outcomes to the Board of Directors
• All other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or Executive Director

FACILITIES, SAFETY & SECURITY

• Direct maintenance of a LEED certified building, grounds, equipment, machinery, HVAC, refrigeration systems, vehicles and pest management program
• Direct building use, space planning, design, and renovation to ensure optimal efficiency of all Food Bank buildings and off-site operations
• Direct monitoring and analyzing of overall facility and operations energy use, and maintaining building and operations at peak efficiency
• Direct the development and maintenance of organizational security and safety programs and organizational business continuity and disaster response plans

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Five to seven years of experience in warehouse and/or distribution management
• Demonstrated industry experience in shipping & receiving, logistics and inventory control systems and monitoring
• Analytical, data interpretation, planning and innovative problem-solving skills
• Ability to develop and manage effectively execution of new programs and initiatives
• Budgeting and purchasing experience
• Strong leadership skills and interpersonal skills; effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with diverse staff and constituencies
• Strong computer proficiency, including inventory control systems, database management and Microsoft Office applications

JOB PREFERENCES

• Bachelors degree, with emphasis on organizational management preferred
• Food sourcing and/or purchasing experience
• Facilities management experience

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE (EXPERIENCE A PLUS)

• Bilingual in English/Spanish
• Food Banking industry experience

Report to: Executive Director

At the national level, 18.6% of those interviewed reported food hardship in 2011, the highest annual rate in the four years that FRAC has been following this data.  In the third and fourth quarters of 2011, more people answered yes to the food hardship question (19.2% and 19.4%) than in any period since the fourth quarter of 2008; an interesting fact given the growth in employment during that same period.  Despite these numbers a large number of Americans don’t see hunger as a local concern.  In another poll conducted for FRAC in 2011, two-thirds of Americans rated hunger as a worse problem at the national level than at the community level.  But the data shows that hunger and food hardship exist in every community.

The food hardship rate for Massachusetts is 14.5%.  While lower than the national average, we aren’t encouraged. This percentage represents a significant portion of the population—our neighbors, family, and friends—who aren’t able to consistently meet the basic need of having enough food to eat.  On a local level we find rates that are significantly higher than the rest of the state.  For the Springfield MSA (metropolitan statistical area) in particular, the rate is higher than the national average at 19.3%, ranking the area 34th for food hardship in the country.  The data on congressional districts paints a similar picture, with the two districts that include all of Western Massachusetts (1 & 2) displaying high rates of hardship, at 15.9% and 18.7% respectively.

These numbers are disappointing, but not surprising in light of the anecdotal evidence we’ve seen in the region. Our member agencies have consistently needed more food for more people who need help for longer periods of time. FRAC’s research reinforces the need for the services provided by The Food Bank and our member agencies to continue to fight hunger and food insecurity here at home.  As the data shows, no community is free of food hardship.

Since 1982 The Food Bank and our partners have been working to serve those in need. Sadly, this new report demonstrates that our work isn’t over yet.  But with your help, we can continue to serve the more than 110,000 individuals who use the emergency food network in Western Massachusetts, and reach out to more of neighbors who are facing hunger.  Find out how you can help us fight hunger.

On Monday, President Obama released his fiscal year 2013 budget, and with it demonstrated a commitment to protecting and strengthening the nation’s nutrition safety net for the millions of Americans who continue to struggle with hunger, low wages, and lost jobs. According to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, his budget proposals provide important support for Western Mass. residents who are at risk of hunger.

The budget addresses nutrition issues across a multitude of different programs from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), to WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).  The proposed budget includes, among other things, a restoration of the cuts to SNAP benefits that were made in the 2010 child nutrition bill and to scheduled to occur in FY 2013, as well as a suspension of time limits on SNAP benefits for certain unemployed, working age, low income adults without dependents. At the end of FY11, more than 450,000 Mass. residents were enrolled in SNAP, 154,930 of whom live in Western Mass.

“As our community and the nation at large recover from the Great Recession, there are still millions of people who are struggling with hunger.  In Western Massachusetts alone, almost one in four households with children say they are unable to afford enough food to satisfy their needs,” said Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.  “The proposals put forth in the President’s budget are a good step in protecting and maintaining our country’s vital safety net at a time when many need it most.”

The budget, in addition to the proposals regarding SNAP, also includes:

• Funding to support an estimated Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) caseload of over 9.1 million individuals.  Massachusetts enrollment in the program during 2011 included 119,104 individuals.
• Funding to cover an increase in the WIC fruit and vegetable vouchers for children from the current $8 to the IOM-recommended amount of $10
• Support for continued implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
• Permanent expansions of the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit that were passed in the 2009 Recovery Act
• $3 billion in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), an increase of $450 million over last year to reflect the rising costs of heating oil.  Last year, Massachusetts received $77.6 million in federal funding for the program.
• $2 million in funding for the Emerson/Leland Hunger Fellowships

With less than 9 months left until the 2012 elections, this budget helps set the framework for a serious dialogue about hunger in America and the role that federal benefit programs play in addressing it.

Last month, Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs published a study titled “At Risk: America’s Poor During and After the Great Recession” and its findings are more than a little alarming.

The study takes an extensive look at the recession that took place during 2007-2008 (from which many have yet to recover) and paints an image of the effects it has had on poverty in the United States.  The “Great Recession,” as it has been aptly named, is the worst recession since the Great Depression, and has left behind the greatest number of long-term unemployed since records have been kept in 1948.  Currently, there are more than 4 million Americans who say that they have been without work for more than 12 months.  These individuals in particular are at risk of joining the ranks of what has been referred to as the “new poor”—as opposed to the perennially poor and near poor— as their unemployment insurance eventually runs out and many are still unable to find jobs.

Despite the economic recovery that has actually occurred, and the slightly encouraging dip in unemployment toward the end of 2011, poverty in America is distressingly widespread.  According to the official measures, in 2010 there were 46.2 million Americans living in poverty  (15.1% of the population).  As it stands, the current official poverty rate is the highest that it has been since 1993.  This number has been steadily increasing, and it is a trend that is expected to continue.  The overall proportion of individuals living in poverty increased by 27% between 2006 and 2010, while the total U.S. population during this time frame has increased by less than 3.3%.  Poverty is a pervasive problem in America.

In times like these, Americans often look to the social safety net and their communities for help and support.  As the number of people finding themselves in poverty and struggling to make ends meet continues to grow, the need for food assistance grows along with it.  The devastating combination of unemployment, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of food is leaving many to wonder where their next meal is going to come from.  The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and its member agencies have been here to combat hunger and food insecurity, doing our best to satisfy the demand for emergency food in the region.  However, food banks and the emergency food network were not initially designed to handle what we now face— the need for prolonged emergency food assistance at continually high levels.

People are forced to turn to their local food pantries and meal sites, making the acquisition of food from these sources a part of their normal pattern for meeting food needs.  Across the country, the number of people relying on food banks for the first time is up by 30 percent, and all of these individuals—new and old—are leaning on this assistance for longer periods of time.  Here at The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, our  member agencies on the front line confirm these national statistics. Many agencies have been forced to close their doors, shorten their hours, or give out less food to adjust to the increase in demand (which, along with rising food costs, has created a “perfect storm” of challenges). The Food Bank recognizes this sustained need, and through our Network Capacity Building department, we work to strengthen the emergency food network in the region.  By working one-on-one with member agencies, we determine their needs and seek out opportunities for collaboration between agencies.  Through this initiative, we seek to reinforce the capacity and abilities of our existing emergency food network, with the hope of helping our neighbors in need and allowing them to achieve even greater food self-sufficiency in these trying times.

Lately, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, has been in the spotlight as some Republican presidential hopefuls try to blame entitlement programs and those who receive their benefits for America’s deficit problem.  Specifically, Newt Gingrich has made some comments about the program in an attempt to attack President Obama, calling him the “best food stamp president in American history,” while Rick Santorum chose to make it an issue of race when he stated “I don’t want to make black people’s lives better by giving them somebody else’s money, I want to give them the opportunity to go out and earn the money.” (nytimes).  These comments bring long-held stigma about food stamps and food stamp recipients to the forefront of the nation’s awareness, but do not reflect the facts about SNAP.

While it is true that the number of food stamp recipients has risen over the past few years, this can be primarily attributed to the financial collapse and recession that began in 2007.  As millions of Americans find themselves out of work and unable to make ends meet, programs like SNAP exist to help soften the blow, keeping people from having to choose between paying for necessities like rent, heat, or medical bills, and buying food.  In our current economic climate, the benefits provided by SNAP are invaluable as an anti-poverty measure.  With a current U.S. unemployment rate at 8.5% as of December 2011 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), SNAP/food stamps can make a world of difference, preventing individuals from encountering further hardships and falling deeper into food insecurity.

As it stands, the program is designed to fluctuate along with economic conditions and the needs of the public: as unemployment grows, so does the SNAP program.  In fact, the Census Bureau estimates that food stamps helped to keep 3.9 million people above the poverty line in 2010. But the recession isn’t the only factor that contributed to the increase in food-stamp participants; rather, it was a 2002 Bush administration initiative that led to an increased participation among eligible households. In 2002, only 48 percent of those households who qualified for food stamps received them, compared to 78 percent of qualifying households in 2009 (businessweek).

More than just helping individuals in need, the SNAP program has proven to be an effective means of economic stimulus, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that $5 in food assistance produces $9.20 in both local and state economic activity (DesMoines register). In Western Mass., these federal dollars go directly to farmers, small businesses, and local grocers, who in turn pay their employees, further stimulating the economy.   Secondly, the recent comments by both Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum about SNAP and race are untrue and misleading.  During a recent debate, Gingrich said: “I’m prepared – if the N.A.A.C.P. invites me – I’ll go to their convention and talk about why the African-American community should demand paychecks, and not be satisfied with food stamps.” (newyorker).  This remark, along with the similar statement made by Rick Santorum, demonstrates the false notion that African-Americans are the primary recipients of SNAP benefits.  The truth of the matter is that 49% of SNAP recipients are white, while blacks comprise 26% of recipients and Latinos 20% of recipients (nytimes).

Here at The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts we work to increase participation in this important federal nutrition program for everyone who needs it, and ensure that all eligible households have access to the food they need. SNAP is currently underutilized in Massachusetts, and we believe it is one of the most effective ways for households to avoid chronic hunger.  For those interested in applying to SNAP benefits, we provide assistance during the application process. For more information about our SNAP outreach or how to access benefits, visit our SNAP outreach and enrollment page.

This is because we at The Food Bank have honed our food distribution program to run like clockwork. Our warehouse staff and truck drivers efficiently stock our shelves, load our trucks, and get food to more than 350 member agencies across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ve also worked tirelessly to establish relationships with vendors, grocers, local food distributors, and farmers, and we’re also part of the national Feeding America network, which allows us to benefit from their relationships with large, national brands. Most of these relationships lead to large quantities of donated food, and others allow us to buy the exact kind of healthy foods that are most in demand from our member agencies, like milk, rice, tuna, and peanut butter.

An actual can received via a food drive, complete with $1.00 price tag.

While traditional canned food drives are an important and valuable way for the community to contribute to The Food Bank and our member agencies, the types of food that can be accessed via these drives is limited to non-perishable foods.

The amount of food that The Food Bank could provide with an equivalent cash donation, including eggs, cheese, and milk (foods we can't accept through food drives).

By making the equivalent donation of the cost of a few cans, your dollar will go 13 times further in fighting hunger. And those dollars stay right here in Western Massachusetts to help our neighbors in need.

Donations can be made via our secure donate page, and will be tax deductible for 2011 if it is received by December 31st. We also offer an online tool that’s a perfect substitution for a traditional food drive in an office or classroom setting: our Virtual Food Drives. These work by allowing you and your friends, colleagues, or classmates to “shop” online for the foods we need most. The funds you donate contribute to our food purchasing and distribution.

Please consider The Food Bank when deciding to make your year-end donation this year. If 2011 was any indication, 2012 is shaping up to be a difficult year for us and for those we serve. Help us fight hunger right here in the community.