(August 2008) Twelve employees of American Eagle Federal Credit Union volunteered 51 hours over three Saturdays in August sorting produce at the Foodshare Regional Market Warehouse in Hartford. The volunteers inspected and organized thousands of pounds of tomatoes, string beans, carrots, and potatoes. Their efforts resulted in dozens of boxes of fresh food destined for needy people throughout the Greater Hartford area.

One of Foodshare’s most pressing needs is inspecting and repacking vegetables that are donated by farmers and grocery store chains. In 2007, Foodshare volunteers inspected and sorted over 4.3 million pounds of produce.

The Credit Union employees who generously gave their time and worked so hard included: Mary Brennan, Jennifer Cowles, Lori Kraft, Dean Marchessault, Rich Marinelli, Pat Marselli, Suela Mucka, Jean Olson, Cheryl Ross, Katherine Schumacher, Joanne Valentine-Cannata, and Chris Wallace. American Eagle FCU and its employees have a goal of performing 520 hours of community service in 2008.

About Foodshare

Foodshare is the liaison between the food industry and local non-profit “partner agencies” in Hartford and Tolland counties. Foodshare receives food donations from wholesalers, retailers, farmers, businesses, and private collections. Foodshare then delivers this food to community kitchens, emergency shelters, senior centers, day care centers, halfway houses, and food pantries, which, in turn, feed the hungry throughout Greater Hartford.

Foodshare distributes approximately 14 tons of food per day to 400 programs in a partnership to end hunger. Foodshare is affiliated with a national network of food banks called America's Second Harvest.

To learn more or to volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator John Weedon at jweedon@secondharvest.org or visit www.foodshare.org.