IMACA’s Mono County Food Support Takes Giant Leap Forward in 2012
January 3, 2012Beginning the week of January 3, 2012, IMACA will have regular public food pantry hours at 625 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, between 9 and 11 am Monday through Friday.
IMACA has quietly operated a food pantry in Mammoth Lakes for many years, but lacked the consistent food supply or funding source necessary to formally publicize the pantry. Since September, IMACA has been engaging with community agencies in Mammoth Lakes to improve the consistency of our food supply.
Thanks to the generosity of St. Joseph’s Church, Mammoth Lakes Lions Club and Leo’s, Noon Rotary, Vons, and Eastern Sierra Community Bank, IMACA has accumulated a substantial enough food supply to make the pantry publically available to people in need.
In October, IMACA also began working with Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s Mobile Food Pantry to deliver food to Walker/Coleville, Bridgeport, and Mammoth Lakes. In November, this effort supported more than 800 residents of Mammoth Lakes.
In December, IMACA received a generous grant from The California Endowment which will enable the agency both to staff the food pantry, and to use the Mammoth Lakes office as a drop point for additional Food Bank of Northern Nevada food which will be distributed to pantries in June Lake, Lee Vining, Benton, and Bridgeport, beginning later this spring.
Increased food assistance could not come at a more critical time. Families who rely on the region’s winter tourist season are currently struggling to make ends meet. Without snow, minimal income has forced many residents to make difficult choices between housing and food.
IMACA hopes that by providing multiple sources of food assistance throughout the month, families might have one less worry in the midst of a very challenging situation.
IMACA Offers Heating Upgrades in Southern Inyo County
November 16, 2011Bishop, CA – Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action, Inc. (IMACA) is happy to announce a new program that will replace inefficient fireplaces and old wood stoves in private residences across southern Inyo County, at little to no cost. All residents of southern Owens Valley who use fireplaces or old stoves for home heating are encouraged to apply.
The goal of IMACA’s pilot Home Heating Emissions Reduction Program is to reduce air pollution from residential fireplaces and old wood stoves installed or built before EPA guidelines were enacted. This includes most stoves built prior to 1990. Modern fireplace inserts, wood stoves, pellet stoves and kerosene or propane heaters are between 60 and 90 percent cleaner – air pollution wise – and much more efficient than older, non-certified stoves.
Eligible residents are being offered the opportunity to replace old heating systems with new EPA-certified inserts or stoves that burn cordwood or pellets, or propane or kerosene heaters. Additionally, trained IMACA staff will perform home weatherization services to further reduce emissions and save energy. In most cases, qualifying participants will not be required to pay any costs.
To qualify for an IMACA upgrade, private residences must be currently relying on a fireplace or wood stove that does not meet EPA standards and be located within the Inyo County geographic region of southern Owens Valley, including the communities of Independence, Lone Pine, Keeler, Cartago and Olancha, as well as several smaller, outlying communities and private developments.
Program participants are currently being sought for this “first-come-first-served” opportunity. Heating upgrades are scheduled to begin in November. Depending on demand and future funding, IMACA hopes to extend this emissions reduction program across the Air District in 2012, covering the rest of Inyo County, as well as Mono and Alpine counties.
IMACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income residents of Inyo and Mono counties achieve self-sufficiency. With offices in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, six Head Start state preschool centers, and a staff of over 60 dedicated employees, IMACA provides a variety of services including housing, food distribution, energy assistance, home weatherization, and child development. Funding for the Home Heating Emissions Reduction Program has been provided to IMACA by the Clean Air Projects Program, a joint project of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Southern Owens Valley residents interested in applying should contact IMACA by emailing woodstove@imaca.net or telephone 760-873-8557, extension 24.
For more information, visit IMACA’s website at www.imaca.net or the Clean Air Projects Program at http://capp.gbuapcd.org.
IMACA Facing Change and Challenges
October 27, 2011From food banks to housing assistance to weatherizing homes for energy-efficiency to help with paying the bills for low-income residents, the Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action, Inc. helps whomever they can, however they can.
By Mike Bodine/Register Staff
The man at the helm of the agency for the past 18 years, Executive Director Daniel Steinhagen, is in the process of retiring and a nationwide search is being conducted for his replacement.
Established in 1980 with a budget of just $16,000 and three staff members, IMACA was designated a Community Action Agency by the state in 1981. IMACA is now a full service agency with a budget of approximately $3.5 million, three offices, two low-income apartment complexes, six Head Start/State Preschool centers, a paid staff of more than 60, plus interns and volunteers.
And, IMACA continues to grow. It was recently awarded a contract with the Clean Air Projects Program, funded through the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, to implement a Home Heating Emissions Reduction program. This means IMACA will be replacing home wood stoves not in compliance with the Environment Protection Agency with new EPA-compliant heating devices of the owner or occupant’s choice.
“This program expands our current weatherization program for many community members throughout Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties,” IMACA said in a press release. Jill Paydon, Administration Services manager at IMACA, said the agency is looking at more collaborative efforts, such as the one with Great Basin, in anticipation of federal and state funding continuing to shrink in this global and national financial recession. Paydon explained that the goal of IMACA, since its inception, was to investigate, identify and try and meet those unmet needs in a rural community. She explained that these Community Action Committees were formed nationally to address those in rural or low-income areas with basic level needs, such as proper nutrition, which leads to better workers and possible advancement out of a circle or even a line of poverty.
Another added service brings food to those in remote corners of Mono County. It is the Mono County Mobile Food Pantry, run in cooperation with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. The complete schedule for food distribution can be found on the IMACA website at the food and garden assistance tab. And, IMACA has also launched the Community Garden Programs in Bishop, Darwin, Independence and Lone Pine. IMACA said the gardens “have had a very successful year supplying fresh produce for the individuals and families in need with thanks to the many community partners with whom IMACA is privileged to work.”
That’s not to say the agency has not been without its difficulties. In 2011, the U.S. Congress debated cutting the Community Services Block Grant program “which provides support funds for services that help low-income residents of both Inyo and Mono counties,” IMACA said in a press release.
Paydon explained that a federal mandate for Community Action Agencies guaranteed money to agencies like IMACA but these amounts of funding are on the table as the feds and state officials try and balance budgets that are billions and trillions of dollars overdrawn.
CSBG grants were spared the axe, but there is still the ongoing uncertainty with funding and “constantly changing circumstances” from federal and state budgets. “IMACA has been stable through this constantly adjusting economic climate with a strong management team,” IMACA said.
The agency hopes to find a new executive director, but the search has not been easy. Paydon said Steinhagen is a “fountain of knowledge” of how these action committees and the intricacies of local politics work and the agency is hoping to fill the position with as good an organizer and community advocate.
“The most recent development in the search for a new executive director is that after extensive reviews, interviews and discussion by the IMACA Personnel Committee (comprised of three board members and three staff members), the agency offered the position to an individual who initially accepted the offer of employment but subsequently declined,” IMACA said in the press release. Steinhagen has agreed to stay on until a replacement is recruited. For more information, call IMACA at (760) 873-8557.
Daniel Steinhagen
Copyright © 2011 The Inyo Register
Public gardens growing in popularity
October 4, 2011Community gardens have been sprouting up like wild flowers in Inyo County.
A response to the economic recession, the high price of fuel, lack of other resources and the ever-growing prices of products at grocery stores, the plots, according to a local organizer, have been a success.
By Mike Bodine/Register Staff - Published on The Inyo Register (http://www.inyoregister.com)
Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action has helped residents and organizations throughout the county set up productive gardens for the past few years.
Jane McDonald, IMACA’s Community Services director, said the agency is still trying to access exactly how much garden produce has been grown in the nine or more gardens in the county. One estimate suggests more than $1,000 worth of produce has been harvested from the Lone Pine area alone.
There are five community gardens in Lone Pine, one in Darwin, one in Independence, and shared plots at the Community Garden at the Bishop City Park.
The gardens are “an instant reaction to the recession,” McDonald said, noting that with smaller budgets comes a greater interest in food-related self-sufficiency. She said the interest in both Inyo and Mono counties has been explosive, with no signs of waning yet.
In communities like Independence and Darwin, community gardens are an inexpensive way to have fresh produce, as neither has a local market.
She added that for all people of all cultures, growing food is a way to “reclaim part of our history.”
A community garden includes plots or rows of dirt for folks who don’t have the space or means to grow themselves. IMACA also supplies seeds and water. IMACA, along with Inyo County’s Master Gardeners, also supplies the much needed know-how and growing tips to help fledgling gardeners. Some of the produce goes directly to those in need through IMACA’s many food pantries. Some of the bounty is transported and shared with Tecopa, as that hamlet has problems with both soil and water, making gardens difficult to sustain. McDonald added that Tecopa has displayed an interest in gardening and it will take some more time and “exciting collaborations” to see that to fruition.
Lone Pine even has an intern program, a sort of hands-on Master Gardener’s program, McDonald said, taught by Julie Fought, a member of California’s Community Sustainable Agriculture.
And, IMACA will be helping people to grow year-round. There will be a free workshop about gardening throughout the year scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 22.
McDonald added the interest in growing for next year is already high. She added there is still space available at the Bishop and Independence gardens.
The Metabolic Studio has made generous monetary contributions to the gardens, McDonald added.
For more information about IMACA’s community garden, call (760) 873-8557 go to its website at imaca.net or e-mail to info@imaca.net.
Click link to read response from IMACA’s Community Services Director Jane McDonald Letter to the Editor from IMACA’s Community Services Director
Copyright © 2011 The Inyo Register
Winter food donations sought
September 28, 2011By Mike Bodine/Register Staff - Published on The Inyo Register (http://www.inyoregister.com)
Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action will begin accepting applications for the Holiday Food Basket Program next Wednesday, Oct. 5. The program provides holiday meal essentials to low-income households throughout Inyo County, Chalfant and Benton. The holiday food drive, set to begin in November, is also IMACA’s major drive to keep its food bank shelves full until the spring.
Newly hired Food Program Coordinator Glen Cokeley said that according to records, demand for food from those in need continues to grow and grow, while donations have slowed considerably.
“Some people have said they have never seen the food bank shelves so bare,” Cokeley said.
Cokeley explained the food drive involves blue barrels being placed around town in November. Non-perishable food items are welcome, and protein-rich foods such as tuna, peanut butter and beans are always in big demand, he explained. These donations help stock the shelves of the food bank until the next big food drive in the spring.
Cokeley said some area food stores and bakeries already make regular tax-deductible donations of perishable food stuffs to IMACA. Cokeley said he is working on trying to involve more area stores.
Food donations are always accepted at the IMACA office and food bank at 224 S. Main St., in Bishop. Cokeley added that there has also been a huge response to people donating from their gardens. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be a luxury for those pinching pennies, Cokeley explained, and are always welcome.
The food drive is different from donations for the food baskets. The items for the baskets are bought just before they are to be distributed, Cokeley explained. He said this is cheaper than accepting piece-meal donations that would need to be stored. Donations for the baskets are best in the form of monetary contributions. He said some food bank items are used to “round out a basket” but the weight of the basket, the turkey, is purchased at a bulk, discounted rate.
Accepted applications are split between IMACA and the Salvation Army for basket assembly and distribution. There is a huge contingency of volunteers and others that helps buy items for, fill and then distribute the baskets.
Applications for Thanksgiving baskets are due Nov. 2, and Christmas applications are due Dec. 7; they are available at the Bishop office, 224. S. Main St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the Lone Pine office, 120 S. Main St. on Wednesdays from noon-2 p.m. Applications can be mailed by calling (800) 541-1822. To donate, call the toll-free number or (760) 873-8557.
Copyright © 2011 The Inyo Register
Local Clean Air Program Moves Forward
September 28, 2011Mammoth Lakes, CA – At its most recent meeting held earlier this month in Mammoth Lakes, the Governing Board of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District approved three agenda items that effectively began the District’s new “Clean Air Projects Program.”
The first item was the service contract for administrating the program – known as “CAPP” – throughout the District which encompasses Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties. Following a considered selection and review process culminating in Board approval, the CAPP Administrator contract was awarded to Mono County resident Lisa Isaacs. Ms. Isaacs has extensive experience and education in the field, including years of local environmental program management and community involvement.
CAPP was recently organized by the District with a budget of $5.6 million from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The payment was made to offset excess air emissions from the Owens Lake bed caused by LADWP’s water diversions. The entire amount is earmarked to fund local clean air projects that directly reduce harmful air emissions from identifiable sources. Although funding will be available for projects throughout the District’s three counties, preference will be given to projects in southern Owens Valley as this area experiences the worst air quality impacts associated with LADWP’s Owens Lake water diversion activities. Local efforts that indirectly lead to air pollution reduction, like education, are also encouraged. All funded projects must be completed by the end of 2013.
According to Ted Schade, District Air Pollution Control Officer, “the District is very pleased to have funds available for air pollution reduction projects that are voluntary but will have widespread benefit to the air quality of the District. Our clean air is one of the important reasons people are attracted to our area.”
In addition to approving the CAPP Administrator’s contract, the District Governing Board also directed initial CAPP funding toward two immediate undertakings. Inyo County will receive up to $125,000 to offset material costs for paving the very dusty Keeler Transfer Station Access Road linking the community to its local trash disposal station. According to the District, Keeler residents living along the eastern shore of the dry Owens Lake have for many years suffered more than anyone else in the District from harmful air pollution blowing off the dry lake bed.
The Board also approved $500,000 for the Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action (IMACA) to fund a pilot residential heating and energy efficiency program in southern Owens Valley. Old, non-compliant wood stoves and other inefficient, polluting or “dirty” heating systems will be replaced with EPA-certified stoves (wood and pellet) and other clean heating systems. Home weatherization services will also be provided by trained staff during the upgrade process. IMACA estimates that through this pilot project, they will replace about 100 inefficient, dirty home heating systems in southern Owens Valley with cleaner, compliant systems, as well as reduce an estimated 178 tons of harmful air pollution over 30 years. If the pilot project is successful with funds and oversight from CAPP, IMACA plans to extend these services to all of Inyo, Mono and Alpine Counties.
The request for CAPP project proposals (RFP) will be released before the end of the year. Proposals will be due in early 2012. As many feasible projects as possible will be funded through an open eligibility and selection process. Partnerships and matching funds are encouraged for potential projects, as well as program sponsors. According to CAPP Administrator Lisa Isaacs, “the intent is to spread CAPP’s budget and positive results as far as possible across the District for the benefit of everyone and everything.”
Individuals and organizations interested in CAPP opportunities are encouraged to contact Ms. Isaacs at 760.914.0388 or email capp@gbuapcd.org.
Scout Food Drive
June 13, 2011Eagle Scout Ian Ryssman and Boy Scout Troop 899 will be holding a food drive for IMACA’s food pantry. The troop will be requesting donations at Vons, Joseph’s Bi-Rite and Manor Market from 10a.m.-1p.m. on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, July 2. Dried and canned foods are needed and donations of protein-rich food, such as canned tuna and meats, are especially welcome. The food will go to local families in need.
For more information, call Ryssman at (760) 920-1375 or IMACA at (760) 873-8557 ex. 22