HISTORY

DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK was founded in 1971, when a stunned Louisville community was confronted with the horrifying news that right in their own city, on Thanksgiving Day, a nine year old boy had died of starvation.

The name DARE TO CARE became the rallying cry of people throughout the area as they joined together to attack the very real problem of hunger in many of their neighborhoods.

MISSION

Today, the mission of DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK is to end hunger through partnerships, innovative programs, and community engagement.

With a special emphasis on the needs of infants and children, the elderly, and the ill and infirm, we offer a variety of crucial programs that have been established to help fulfill that mission.  Check Community Programs in the tabs to the left for more information.

FUNDING

DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK is a 501(c)(3) agency and all donations are tax deductible for Federal Tax purposes.  DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK is a non-profit agency serving the entire Kentuckiana area.

We rely completely on on donations of food, money, and volunteer services to meet the ever growing challenges of fulfilling our mission.

Our operating funds come from many sources throughout the community including:

• Donations from individuals.
• Grants from governments and foundations.
• Donations from businesses, organizations, and churches.

Dare to Care Food Bank never rents or sells our donors' names.

ADVOCACY - LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Last year, the charitable tax incentive for for-profit businesses expired.  Dare to Care Food Bank and our partner food banks in Feeding America have been working on getting a "Tax Extender" bill passed (S225).  this package includes the Good Samaritan tax incentive provision.  Legislation is currently stalled. Congress reconvenes in September, 2008.

Dare to Care Food Bank and Feeding America are asking the US Senate Committee on Appropriations to enact an Economic Recovery package that includes additional funding for food bank needs.  This bill is intended to help those hardest hit by the stagnant economy.  this will include additional funding for USDA commodities and will boost food stamp benefits.

FARM BILL

The newly passed Farm Bill makes several changes to the Food Stamp Program effective October 1, 2008.  Highlights include:

1. The program name will be changed to "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" or SNAP.
2. The standard deduction will be raised from $134 to $144 and will be tied to inflation (for families of 1 to 3 members).
3. The cap on dependent care deductions will be eliminated.
4. The asset limit (currently $2,000 for most households) will now be indexed for inflation.  Education and Retirement accounts will be excluded from this calculation.
5. The minimum benefit (now $10) will increase for inflation every year.
6. States will have the option to allow "telephone signatures" for applications thereby reducing the time between benefit application and actual receipt.

To learn more, visit: www.hungeractioncenter.org.