ABOUT FOOD BANK UNIVERSITY

Welcome to Food Bank University!

Food Bank University provides education and training programs for the Food Bank’s network of nonprofit partners and equips them with the tools and resources they need to better serve the hungry in San Diego County.

WHO ATTENDS FOOD BANK UNIVERSITY?

The San Diego Food Bank distributes food to people in need through its partnership with hundreds of nonprofit organizations that are members of its food distribution programs.

Food Bank University courses are open to all nonprofit distribution partners that receive and distribute food from the Food Bank.

This network of nonprofits includes food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, low-income daycare centers, senior centers, churches, schools and day centers for the elderly and disabled.

Over 300 nonprofits receive and distribute food from the Food Bank. These nonprofits play a critical role in getting food from the Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse to communities throughout San Diego County.

FOOD BANK UNIVERSITY COURSES

The San Diego Food Bank’s management team designs each training course with the needs of its nonprofit partners in mind.

Food Bank University offers a comprehensive range of courses including the fundamentals of food banking; fundraising; nutrition; food safety; nonprofit management and finance; communications; and volunteer management.

All courses are taught by San Diego Food Bank staff members with professional expertise in each core subject area.

Beginning on September 2, 2010, each attending agency will receive a 50 pound credit on their Food Center account.

FOOD BANK UNIVERSITY electives

In addition to monthly Food Bank University workshops, the San Diego Food Bank also offers elective courses throughout the year. Elective courses can include anything from field trips to additional off-site training. The new Microsoft Store is the proud sponsor of several Food Bank University electives that can be found in the schedule below.

Food Bank University Introductory Brochure and Syllabus

Food Bank University Registration Form

Food Bank University Online Registration

FOOD BANK UNIVERSITY – RESOURCE AREA

The Food Bank University Resource Area contains information and presentations from previously held courses.

Course descriptions and materials from each course are provided below.

FOOD STAMPS 101

This course is designed to equip the Food Bank’s nonprofit partners with the tools and information needed to prescreen clients for Food Stamp eligibility. The program presentation gives background information on Food Stamps, who is eligible, how they can be used to purchase food, their importance as a supplemental nutrition resource, and eligibility requirements.

Food Stamp Outreach Program Presentation

FUNDRAISING FOR NONPROFITS

This workshop focuses on how to find grants that fit your program, how to write a grant proposal, and how to make a yearly budget. The presentation (below) outlines the purpose of fundraising, different fundraising techniques, and grant writing.

Fundraising 101 Presentation

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS – ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN NONPROFITS

Volunteers are essential for day to day operations within a nonprofit. This workshop emphasizes how to recruit, manage, and effectively use volunteers at a hunger relief organization. The presentation stresses strong organization and policy efficiency.

Volunteer Programs in Nonprofits Presentation

RISK AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN NONPROFITS

Knowing how to manage risk and maintain a safe work environment are crucial components in any organization. The presentation gives direction concerning company policies, board governance, and risk management.

Risk & Safety in Nonprofits Presentation

introduction to PUblic relations & social media for NONPROFITS

This course is a “do-it-yourself” guide for nonprofits with limited resources. The course explains how nonprofit staff can do their own media outreach, set up their own low-cost website, start a social media program, and send their own e-blasts - all on a tight budget.

The seminar featured a special guest speaker from Red Door Interactive, a San Diego-based internet presence management firm. Nacole Gray from Red Door explained the importance of social media for nonprofits, how to set up social media profiles, and how to use social media for fundraising. Visit Red Door online: www.reddoor.biz

Public Relations 101 – “Do-it-yourself on a shoestring budget”

Social media for nonprofits – by Red Door Interactive

Nutrition

The basics of shopping for and eating healthy food on a budget were discussed by Dr Gloria Sotelo of Network for a Healthy California. She shared healthy and savory recipe options and encouraged creativity in the kitchen. In addition, Shawna McNally from the W.M. K Warren Medical Research Center shared information on Celiac Disease and gluten-intolerance. She provided eye opening information about the disease and shared her passion for finding new ways to offer gluten-free food to low income Celiacs.

Nutrition Workshop-Eating Right When Money's Tight

Nutrition Workshop-Gluten

nonprofit development

Linda Shoob, CEO and founder of Organization Effectiveness Consultants, outlined a strategic planning guide geared specifically to nonprofit organizations. The workshop covered industry barriers, strategic thinking, goal setting, SWOT analysis, and role clarification. It also included networking and group discussions to facilitate growth and encourage critical thinking. Visit Organization Effectiveness Consultants online: www.OECStrategicSolutions.com.

Nonprofit Development Presentation

Going green

Living sustainably and caring for the environment is an increasingly popular view. This course provided tips and information on how to go green on an organizational level. Tips included everything from forming a "Green Team" to buying food locally to growing your own garden. Kristin Hansen from UCSD's Sustainability Team explained the many ways that UCSD is operating on a sustainable level, and encouraged our nonprofit partners to take steps of their own. A team from the International Rescue Committee explained the importance of making healthy, culturally appropriate food accessible to all people and promoted their community garden called New Roots. Finally a local gardener shared ideas for starting personal gardens, even when land is scarce.

UCSD Sustainability Presentation

International Rescue Committee Presentation

ADVOCACY

"If you ever think you're too small to be effective, you've never been in bed with a mosquito!" –Wendy Lesko

September is national Hunger Action Month! It's more important than ever for people to understand the impact of hunger in our community. Matt Heffernan from the County of San Diego provided information about county programs available to low income individuals and families. Knowledge of available resources is invaluable in the fight against hunger. Jennifer Tracy from the San Diego Hunger Coalition spoke on current policies undergoing legislation and encouraged anti-hunger advocates to speak out and take action.

calworks presentation

Food stamp presentation

medi-cal Presentation

anti-hunger advocacy presentation

Taking on the holidays

Hunger knows no season. This is a Food Bank motto and something our nonprofit partners fully understand. However, the holiday season (November and December) tends to be the busiest time of year. From holiday meals to food baskets to events, it takes a lot to prepare for the season. This workshop provided tips, tricks, and best practices for making this holiday season the most efficient one yet!

taking on the holidays presentation

nutritious holiday food substitutions handout

increase holiday giving handout

stress management

The nonprofit world is a constant balancing act. Each staff member and volunteer is asked to wear many hats and perform tasks outside of their given job description. The busyness of the holiday season typically exacerbates this flurry. Although stress cannot be avoided altogether, there are ways to manage the stress and conflict in your life. Psychology professor Lisa Black and SHARP Healthcare professional Michelle Balogh presented facts about stress and simple ways to create a more stress-free environment.

stress management presentation

volunteers

Volunteer services are the lifeblood of most nonprofit organizations. Some nonprofits are even run by volunteers alone! Finding strong, dedicated, responsible volunteers is often a challenge, and encouraging them to keep coming back is a whole other battle. Sarah Adams from Volunteer San Diego showed attendees how to utilize her organization as a resource for recruiting volunteers. Angie Kretschmar and Guillermo Montje from New Seasons Church explained how they recruit and maintain hundreds of volunteers for their monthly distributions and annual Block Party event, serving over 5000 community members.

volunteer san diego presentation

volunteer san diego handout

new seasons church handout