SFP Volunteer Update – March, 2023
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
- Ghandi
Hello, everyone. As March comes to a close, we continue to see a rise in client families with some who are new and others returning after some time. The new families are not only those new to the U.S., but also senior citizens. I recently spoke with one client who said she had been doing fine, but the increase in food prices and decrease in government support has caused her to struggle.
The good news is word about our supportive, warm and friendly Pantry is out there. Friends and family are sharing information to help one another and we continue to be able to provide healthy dairy, meat, produce and nonperishable items.
Offerings this week!
We are so grateful to our volunteers, who tirelessly give their spare time and energy to help us provide. We also have many others who donate financially to help us purchase food.
We continue to see growth and are scaling to meet the increased needs of our neighbors.
Before our renovation, we had 3 freezers and 2 refrigerators to store food. During the drive-thru era, we rented refrigerated trucks to ensure our perishable items stayed fresh. But now, thanks to our relocation and renovation, we have both a walk-in fridge and a walk-in freezer to safely store food for 450+ families. This, plus our dry storage, allows us to distribute over 30,000 pounds of food each month.
Volunteer opportunities
Please click here to view our sign-ups for April. Please note, we are closed April 5th. Thank you very much for your time. We appreciate you!!
Fundraising
Keep an eye out for information about our upcoming fundraiser!
Volunteers go above and beyond
Twice a month, our Delivery team unloads 13,000 pounds of food purchased by the Pantry from the NE Regional Food Bank. The food is picked up by Clancy Relocation and brought to the Pantry. Clancy generously donates their services once a month with the Pantry paying for the 2nd monthly pickup.
Last week, we got a surprise with a 52’ truck dropping off the delivery! The truck was so big, the driver had to back up down Oliver. Our great team was ready for the challenge and unloaded it safely and quickly.
This month, I would like to acknowledge this team and welcome the newest members - Brothers from Ramapo College’s Kappa Sigma fraternity and our newest friend, David. Of course, sending a big thank you to our dedicated crew including, but not limited to: Andy, Bob, Bob, Jackie, Kevin, Laura, Mark, Mary, Rich, Rob, Steve, Terry, Will & Yash.
Did you know in 2023?
Average number of families served each month was 892
Average number of meals distributed each month was 26,574
Total NEW families welcomed from January 1 – March 30 was 99
I wish to thank each of you for your continued support of the Pantry. Your kindness will forever be in my heart.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Respectfully yours,
Joyce
201.394.0627