Frequently Asked Questions

HOW OFTEN CAN PEOPLE GET FOOD? 

Clients can come as the need is there. 

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WHAT'S THE GOAL OF THE FOOD PANTRY?

It would be wonderful if this was our last year… that no more hunger exists, but it won’t be happening now.  Our hope is for a world where children will not know about hunger and just concentrate on being children.

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HOW DOES THE FOOD PANTRY FUNCTION?

Each day the shelves in the pantry are stocked full and by day’s end, the shelves are very bare.  It takes a remarkable amount of time, energy and grocery products to keep the pantry full.  

We have only volunteers who work in the pantry serving clients and each volunteer works at least 2 hours per week

This does not include those who go to the Foodbank, load the trucks, return to the church and unload the trucks.  Once the trucks are unloaded, everything must be put away.  We have volunteers who come every week, some twice a week, to help sort, bag and properly store our groceries.  Volunteers also come in daily to fill the Pantry shelves.  Weekly an order is placed with the Foodbank and any other food supplies which must be purchased and picked up at retail stores.  Most of the food we get comes from Central Illinois Foodbank.  People find it hard to believe the marvelous donations that are made to the Foodbank and they we are able to get them at 18 cents per pound, which we call shipping and handling…the Foodbank calls it shared contribution.

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HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU HELP?

We serve over 1,000 individuals a month.

In 2019, the Pantry served more than 6,300 households and 13,000 individuals. However since the pandemic began in 2020 we've had an increased use by multi-generational households with 6-10 family members, individuals living in public housing and  homeless of all ages.

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HOW DO YOU HELP THE HOMELESS POPULATION?

In response to an increased use by homeless clients we now have special food bags which do not require a kitchen or stove.

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WHAT FOOD DO YOU PROVIDE?

• Pasta Sauce/Pasta

• Jelly/Peanut Butter

• Soup

• Fruit, can or when available fresh

• Ramen Noodles

• Canned Meat

• Cereal

• Canned Vegetables

• Crackers

• Rice Dish

• Sugar

• Frozen Meat is usually available

• Snacks

• Tuna Casserole Kit

• Soap/Detergent/Toilet Paper

 

The following items are provided when available:

• Fresh produce

• Milk

• Bread

• Eggs

• Extra Health Care Items (Toohbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, razors etc.)

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WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC?

With new health and safety protocols in place, the Pantry has been able to maintain operation uninterrupted and without incident since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food is now distributed curbside rather than inside the church. All volunteers wear masks and socially distance. Clients are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing...(we provide masks if needed).

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HOW CAN I HELP?

Our pantry could not exist without the generous support in money, time and energy of our congregation and our sister congregations.  Save brown paper or plastic bags; get a group (scouts, church youth groups, confirmands, and fellow employees) to volunteer for needed projects. 

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