Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service - Food Pantry

Operating since 1981, the Pantry distributes food each week to low-income families and individuals who do not have the means for purchasing adequate supplies. By providing food assistance, the Care Service enables families to use scarce financial resources for other household necessities such as housing, utilities, transportation, and medical needs, and move toward becoming stable and independent. The families receiving goods from the Food Pantry are typically referred to the Care Service by other social service agencies in the area. However, many clients find out about the Food Pantry while at the Care Service for other assistance, such as help with rent or utilities. Over 60 dedicated volunteers help work nine shifts, pick up supplies from over 18 locations, sort, prepare, and distribute food and household goods to about 125 families each week. The Food Pantry is sustained primarily through community support, including donations from civic groups, local schools, churches, and individual families, with a majority of the food and goods being donated on a weekly basis for our clients. The Food Pantry provides many services to those in need. In addition to weekly food sustenance, clients receive personal hygiene items as available, household cleaning supplies as available, school supplies at the start of the school year, Easter baskets for children under 12 years of age, and No Hunger Holiday (Thanksgiving meal).