St. Mary’s Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry summary report for 2013

In 2013, the Food Pantry was open 100 days, five hours a day and two days each week for 50 weeks. During that time, 598 families received groceries. These families were comprised of 1908 total members, 675 of them being children. The food picked up is expected to provide 15 meals for each recipient, for more than 28,000 meals in 2013. Usage is somewhat higher in the winter than in summer. In an average week, 12 families of 38 total members, including 14 children, made an appointment to pick up needed food. In addition, 55 Thanksgiving dinner baskets were distributed prior to that holiday.
In the busiest day last year, 47 neighbors received food. Low-income housing residents and social service nonprofits also receive food from the pantry on a regular basis.
This achievement is possible thanks to a community which cares for its less fortunate neighbors. Generous donations of money and food from individuals, farmers, gardeners, grocers, schools, businesses, churches and the “Jelly Man” all enable this ministry to serve the hungry. Volunteers donate 1650 hours of their time to pick up food and to prepare the boxes and bags of groceries, which are given to the neighbors needing food. And thanks primarily to Mrs. Mildred Madigan, this free service has been available for over 25 years to those in our local community whose food situation is at risk.