Food is more than a substance to quench hunger — it can be bring families together, unite cultures and connect communities. That’s why Feedin’ The People, one of the Sagebrush nonprofit beneficiaries, focuses on holistic meals rather than just providing food.

The mission of Feedin’ The People (FTP) is to feed people caught in dire circumstances. FTP works as an arm to agencies such as Neighbor Impact, Family Access Network, City Care and DHS to identify and provide meals to families in times of need.

“Here in the U.S., most people just guzzle their food like gasoline,” said Steven Farrell, FTP president. “When we sit down and eat with people, it becomes a couple of hours worth of experience. It allows people the time to connect. No cell phones, no TV, no radio, no rushing out the door to hang out with friends. Connectivity — it’s what we are about.”

FTP harvests veggies on an acre of land on the Red Tail Farm property and distributes the fresh produce to families in need, along with recipe cards. One acre can produce a lot of fresh food—so far, FTP has harvested over 40 pounds of sugar peas and they have plenty of more vegetables to harvest soon. FTP also provides meals to families in need over the holidays. Steven puts his 30 years of chef experience into practice making these meals as tasty as they are healthy.

Does the importance of mealtime strike a cord with you, or do you perhaps remember a time in your own life when food was scarce? Then consider supporting FTP at their upcoming fundraiser, Unleash the Vision — this is a fundraiser even your four-legged family members can enjoy!

Banfield Pet Hospital, together with Pet Smart, brings you this FTP fundraiser, Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Riverbend Eyecare Parking Lot, Across from McKay Park.

You’ll be able to enjoy:

• Doggie Poker Walk
• 
Free Giveaways
• 
Loud Barking Auction
• Enter the Dog’s Got Talent doggie show
• Free grooming
• 
Dog Food Buffet
• Live Music

Find more info at www.unleashthevision.org. To join the doggie poker walk, sign up at the registration booth at the entrance of the event.



Would you like to become involved in FTP projects? They need volunteers for the upcoming harvest, so contact Steven at feedinthepeople@yahoo.com if you’re interested in getting involved.