November 1st, 2003

Scotts Valley, CA – As we head into the holidays and despite another tough year on the economic front, a lot of us turn our thoughts to those less fortunate than ourselves. For the staff at Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties, those thoughts are on their minds every day. Helping to get nutritional meals to families that qualify for food stamps was the subject of a public service announcement produced for Second Harvest by Tam Communications. The PSA, funded by a grant from the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, is currently in distribution in both English and Spanish, and winning high marks from nutrition advocates across the state. Dawn Washington from the USDA noted, “We found that the video communicated all of the positives of the Food Stamp Program--nutrition assistance, family oriented, benefits available for those who are working and with elderly household members and we are pleased with the overall look of it.”

According to Second Harvest Education & Outreach Director, Lee Mercer, “The PSA, with warm, human imagery, emphasizes the values embodied in USDA food stamps--a program that allows and encourages families to make the best nutritional choices for their children. Nutrition advocates were also happy to see all the fruits and vegetables in the spot!”

The spot’s objective is to let viewers know that the Food Stamp program is there to help and with the Golden State Advantage Card and a new application it’s easier than ever. Over 40% of those eligible for Food Stamps don’t apply because of misconceptions about eligibility. With the development of the PSA, Second Harvest Food Bank hopes viewers will call the Community Food Hotline at 831-662-0991 to find out if they do qualify. Mercer adds, “The reaction from USDA, and the community, has been very positive. From its first day on the air, calls have been coming in steadily to the Community Food Hotline.”

Shot at Zanotto’s Market in Santa Cruz and at a Scotts Valley residence, the Tam Communications creative team was a true family affair. It included Executive Producer/Creative Director, Susan O’Connor Fraser, Director/Cameraman/Editor, Tam O’Connor Fraser, and Producer, Timothy O’Connor Fraser. Lighting Director/Assistant Camera was Jan Sluchak. And Tam’s Maria DiLisio was the Associate Producer.

For more information about the program and other outreach activities of the Second Harvest food Bank, contact them at (831) 722-7110 or via email at info@thefoodbank.org

Tam Communications is a leading digital media company, servicing corporate and entertainment clients by combining technical, creative, and communications expertise in the realms of video, interactive multimedia, and web. The company's expanding spectrum of original entertainment programming—developed for broadcast, cable, syndication, and other venues—airs worldwide. Tam Communications is a privately held company located in Scotts Valley, CA. Please visit our web site at www.tamcom.com.