News of the recession has been dominating media cycles for over a year and each day we’re confronted with new reports or a fresh batch of economic indicators that range from cautiously optimistic to prolonged cause for concern. Witnessing the impact of the economic recession first-hand, however, sheds a fresh and important perspective on the realities behind the numbers. 

The first stop on the Workscape Gives Back tour brought us to “Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin.” From an impressive 84,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Milwaukee, Feeding America helps to feed some 235,000 people annually across 36 counties. Of those supported, some 87,000 are children.

One of the most staggering statistics is that roughly half of those who currently receive support from Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin are currently employed. This statistic, when combined with the fact that unemployment is approaching 10% nationally, underscores the fact that we still have a long way to go before reaching full recovery. To this end, financial donations are critical to the day-to-day operation of food banks and other similar organizations across the country. As highlighted in the above video, each dollar donated can be transformed into five meals… so every little bit helps.

Click here to learn more about Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin (which was previously known as America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin) and learn more about how you can help. Or, to take action within your own community, run a Google search on food banks in your area.

Check back with us tomorrow as we post another video and provide coverage from our second stop on the 2009 Workscape Gives Back Tour – the Greater Chicago Food Depository. (Or for more information about the Workscape Gives Back Tour, click here and watch our kick-off video.)

Thanks for watching!

October 1st was a big day for Workscape at the 12th Annual HR Technology Conference, as that was the day we announced the winner for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Check out the embedded video and see the excitement for yourself. We also set out for the beginning of the 2nd Annual "Workscape Gives Back" tour.

Members of the Workscape team literally drove the car of the show floor at McCormick Place in Chicago and set out for Milwaukee, WI. After making a donation at a local food bank in the city, we'll head back down to Chicago for a contribution there. The tour will then resume on October 5th with stops in Toledo, Ohio and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Be sure to check back every day for new blog postings and videos as we continue the tour and raise awareness for these outstanding organizations. Or, better yet, contact your local food bank and see how you can help. Now more than ever, any help you can provide is needed and appreciated.