07/25/11 Although the Marshall County Food Pantry located within the Neighborhood Center in Plymouth is in need of all kinds of food items, the immediate need is for food to bridge the gap for children and teens until school starts in mid-August.
In June, the Food Pantry serviced 273 households (945 individuals). That figure was up from May totals when they provided supplemental food for 231 households (782 individuals).
By taking advantage of purchasing from the Food Bank located in South Bend and receiving community donations, the food inventory has been holding steady. Without food drives by several clubs, businesses and schools, the shelves would have likely been bare.
The pantry has been experiencing a significant decrease in funding from grants and pledges of some $30,000 in recent months and maintaining an adequate food supply has become their number one priority. To meet the demand during the summer months, the cost has risen to $10,000 each month.
They are specifically seeking peanut butter, jelly, cold cereal, canned tuna, and pancake mix /syrup that can be readily used by children to make it though the summer.
According to Acting Director Sara Hill, they have made some modifications in the quantity of food people are receiving to make more consistent food basket portions.
The Plymouth Schools and other community organizations around the county have been able to provide both breakfast and lunch to children age 1-18 weekdays through a federal food program, but the program ends on August 3. At the site at Lincoln Junior High in Plymouth, approximately 200 children are being fed each day.
Hill also indicated that not all of the clients of the MCNC were able to get to meal sites due to lack of transportation or other restrictions.
For more information, please contact the MCNC at 936-3388.
