Outreach Update

"The budget passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on April 15, 2011 contains $120 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP).  The funds have now been made available to FEMA and the EFSP National Board is developing the allocation formula which determines those jurisdictions that qualify for funding.  Once FEMA has notified Congress of the National Board’s allocations as required and FEMA has awarded the funds to the National Board, the National Board expects to notify all of the qualifying jurisdictions by the end of June 2011."

 

As much as we would like to hope the economy and unemployment is getting better, it would be hard to prove by the numbers of people coming to our pantry.

 

Here are some of the figures compiled from our monthly sign-in records by Cliff Knudson:

 

2009 2010 2011
Names Served 803 673 766*
Bags Distributed 1991 1862 798*
Avg. Guests/Week 83 78 75
# of males per week 52 45 42
# of females per week 31 33 33
Avg. New Names/wk 24 17 15
Family members Served 3796 3618 3463*

*2011 numbers are based on first six months annualized.

 

While there is a slight decrease in these figures, there is no less need or appreciation from the people who do enter our door.  The thanks and praise we get as they

leave is sincere and effervescent.

 

On another note, five of our pantry team attended the opening and dedication of Second Harvest's new warehouse and distribution facilities in Watsonville. Their transition from the old to the new methods of handling packaged goods and fresh produce is  very impressive.  Sort of compares to going to a local farmers market in the past, to a streamlined version with a Costo type appearance.   One of our team, Jill Lucas, won the door prize of a beautiful ceramic plaque.

 

Last topic, we are now participating in an internet website called AmpleHarvest.org, which gets individual gardeners to donate their excess garden produce to local food pantries.  Since this movement is in its infancy, we haven't had any donations from the public, however, if  any of your friends, relatives, or neighbors have a surplus from the garden,     don't hesitate to bring it to our pantry on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between 9 & 11 am.  It will be much appreciated.

 

Dave Meyers

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Last Updated on Monday, 12 September 2011 15:02