Volunteers, Supply, and Sustainability

Just like our last update, we are still going strong! We have seen a slight drop in our average numbers of families down to 400. This is probably due to schools re-opening, our fresh produce supply, and people returning back to work. It's great to know that less people might be in need and are relying on food pantries like ours.

We are also experiencing a shortage of volunteers since many of our college students are going back to or moving to colleges. We're so happy for them and grateful to all their support and help for the last 1.5 years. We would not have been able to serve nearly as many families without them.

The supply of fresh produce, dairy, staple goods and other supplies has been winding down since the USDA government programs ended back in June. Food banks are also feeling the strain of demand since more food pantries are now open. The US coast guard is also now not able to help as much to pack and distribute food kits. This has caused a number of small hurdles for us but we're optimistic and overcoming them slowly.

As we look into options of how we are going to be sustainable and continue running the food pantry with less volunteers, less food supplies, and less clients relying on us, we are hopeful that we have provided a resource to the hundreds of families that needed us. We're going to no doubt stay open since we have been every single week since 2013. But we will have to strategize and be creative.

Much of our equipment needs to be serviced soon as well; forklift tires and full tune-up, 24' reefer truck needs service and possibly replaced soon, and a new freezer to store left overs and supplies along with other operational costs. We're grateful for any donations we can receive.