Foundation Journal

Realm of the report is on a definition of food security based on the number of postitive responses to indicators of frequency of food consumption, affordability, quality, and quantity. Report reflects well-known demographics, specifically much higher prevalence of food insecurity among single women head of households (with children), Blacks, Hispanics, and in southern states. Statistics sometimes mask a true understanding by removing personal stories. USDA report taken with Feeding American's Hunger Study show common characteristics. Missouri rank in food insecurity has drastically increased in recent years, as has Kansas. This despite Missouri leading place of those applications for SNAP that are elgible. Immersed in Feeding America statistics showing 3 billion pounds of food distributed per year through the network of 200 US food banks. USDA shows 2.88 bill pounds distributed in 2000. TEFAP commondity accounts for 14% of food distributed through pantries. SNAP assists

Amidst historic uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, President Barack Obama is on a Latin America tour, including a stop in El Salvador, which elected former rebel leaders to the presidency in 2009. The stopover in El Salvador includes a press conference with President Mauricio Funes and a visit to the tomb of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar A. Romero. It's amazing that Obama is visiting El Salvador, given the US history of supporting attacks on the Salvadoran people and an armed rebellion that took place between 1977 and 1992. President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador (left) with President Barack Obama at a joint press conference in San Salvador (3/22/11) . During the Carter, Reagan, and Bush Sr. administrations, all methods of US government and military intervention took place across the Central America region, including the direct invasion of Grenada in 1983 and Panama in 1989. The intervention quashed legitimate rebellions against oppression. 75,000 Salvadorans were killed in the

Class participants at recent Facebook and podcasting Communiversity courses share their struggles with social media. The spirit of Communiversity is for people with knowledge, experience, or skills to share that information with area residents. The real magic for me is to conduct the classes as more participatory than lecture format. Audio Podcasting Made Simple The podcasting class included an individual with Independent Filmmaker's Coalition of KC, a self-published author on bargain hunting, a music blogger, a hair stylist, a holistic health advocate with the KC Wellness Guide (kcwellnessguide.com), and a food sovereignity activist. The people in the class bring a variety of web skills -- from novices to seasoned surfer. This was the third time I taught the class. One thing I've noticed is how many people are active in an artistic endeavor as a musician, writer, or filmmaking -- is everyone an artist?! Each person has an interest in expressing themselves, but many of th

In recognition of International Women's Day, I recall visiting with representatives of a Caracas community radio station, including Yanahir Reyes. Her contribution to educating children through teaching and community radio, as well as her views in support of a revolutionary movement there, underscore the vitality and difficulty of protecting hard-fought gains. Photo from 2007: Yanahir Reyes, elementary education teacher, community activist, and radio show host in Caracas, Venezuela. During a "media and democracy" research trip to Venezuela in 2007, the group I traveled with met with a cross-section of media groups in Venezuela, ranging from large private "opposition" media such as El Nacional newspaper and RCTV to the smaller Tal Cual newspaper and the journalists' association, SNTP. We visited community radio and TV stations, some that started many years ago with a tradition of resistance to repression under past governments. These community stati

Harvesters food bank in Kansas City has been around for 30 years now and the organization acknowledged 25 years of service and accomplishments of the president Karen Haren during an all-staff meeting today. Karen attributed the success and growth of the food bank to "staying on mission and the great staff and volunteers." The ceremony reflected on the increase in food distributed over the 25 years. In 1986, 4 million pounds of food was distributed and $100,000 were raised to purchase food. In 2010, 35 million pounds of food was distributed and $3 million was raised for food purchase. This represents a nine-fold increase in food distributed in and around Kansas City over the 25 years. The large increase in the numbers of food distributed is bittersweet for most people in the food assistance business because an increase in food distribution means they are provided relief yet the demand still grows. It's a sad commentary on this most wealthiest nation that has so many wo