Programs Feed the Hungry in Sandy Springs

A passion for sharing food and feeding is not exclusive to cooks. Everyday, Sandy Springs businesses, non-profits and volunteers are supporting programs to feed the hungry right in their own community. They recognize that despite the city’s affluent reputation, many are going hungry and they need our help.

Second Helpings is one group always looking for volunteers and donors. Temple Sinai, a Reformed Jewish congregation in Sandy Springs, started the program in 2004 as a service project to collect and distribute food for the disadvantaged. Originally, their volunteers gathered prepared and fresh foods solely for the Community Action Center’s food pantry, which serves Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.

According to Beth Scheuer, Second Helpings volunteer coordinator, they now deliver to over a dozen food programs in the metro area, including the CAC and the Dorothy Benson Senior Center. “Sandy Springs businesses, such as , , , (at the Prado) and , lend their support by donating fresh surplus foods that would otherwise go to waste,” she said.

The Community Action Center is another organization dependent on volunteers and food donations. “We assist about 400 families a month through our food pantry program which is staffed by volunteers Monday through Friday,” commented CAC Communications Associate Kristin Ristino.

Unfortunately, with so many local families facing difficult times, the demand for CAC’s assistance exceeds available supplies.  “Our food pantry is really bare and in desperate need of donations,” said Ristino. 

She hopes donations will increase with heightened awareness during "Hunger Action Month" in September. To assist in knowing what to donate, the CAC has listed on their website both urgent pantry requests and suggested items for food drive collections

Whether you have extra food to donate or a few hours to volunteer, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities to help feed those in need. Visit their websites for more details.

One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Veggies         serves 4        

To feed the hungry in your home, try this delicious One-Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken & Veggie dish for dinner tonight. It’s simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and only 1 pan to wash!

4 cloves garlic, minced                                            1 Tbsp. dried oregano or 4 Tbsp. fresh chopped oregano

1 ½ tsp. Kosher salt                                                  1 ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper

2 large lemons                                                           3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs                          3-4 small red skin potatoes cut into small chunks

1 large onion, small chunks                                     1 large bell pepper, cut into small chunks

½ cup pitted olives (black, green, or Kalamata)   1 cup whole cherry tomatoes

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, zest and juice of 1 lemon in a small bowl to make a paste or pulse in a small food processor. Cut juiced lemon into slices and set aside.  Put chicken in a quart size plastic bag, coat with lemon paste and let marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes to overnight.

When ready to cook, heat large cast-iron skillet or oven-proof skillet to medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon olive oil to coat pan before adding chicken thighs. Brown each side for approximately 2 minutes. Add potatoes and brown lightly, then add onions, bell pepper and olives. Stir-in the sliced lemon pieces that were set aside.

Place the skillet uncovered in the oven to roast for approximately 20-25 minutes or until chicken cooked through and vegetables are brown and tender. 

Add tomatoes to pan and stir rest of vegetables half-way through roasting time. Remove pan from oven and add a bit of water or lemon juice to deglaze pan creating a little sauce; adjust seasonings, if needed.  Serve garnished with lemon slices from second lemon.

To Get Involved: “Hunger knows no friend but its feeder.”  (Aristophanes)

Second Helpings

To donate call 404 252-3073; volunteer e-mail Beth Scheuer at volunteer@secondhelpings.info

http://www.templesinaiatlanta.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=98

Community Action Center

To donate or volunteer: 404 552-4889  

1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs 30350

www.ourcac.org

The Drake House- Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankn’ Benefit

Eat ice cream for a good cause.  Sample over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream made and served by 40 community groups (including yours truly); benefitting North Fulton’s transitional housing program for homeless women and children.  

Sunday August 28 from 2pm-4pm; Roswell Square; admission $5 per person/$15 per family http://www.thedrakehouse.org/tdh/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ICCeventbrochure2011.pdf