The first half of January has flown by. If this month is a predictor of how busy Edgerton Outreach is going to be; we need to be prepared to provide Food Pantry Services at a level never experienced by Edgerton Outreach. This month to date, January 1-15, Edgerton Outreach has served 86 households through our Food Pantry. In 2009 during the first 15 days of January the Food Pantry served 57 households. This represents a 52% increase in demand for service in 2010 versus 2009.
We were very blessed throughout the Christmas season with monetary, as well as, food donations. Non-profit agencies have to budget out those year end donations into the New Year to ensure that we are able to provide services when donation times are lean.
Edgerton Outreach is constantly in need of canned fruit, canned soups, peanut butter, jelly, boxed cereal, crackers, boxed potatoes, boxed dinners, and canned pastas such as ravioli and spaghettios. Donations can be dropped off at our Thrift Store/Food Pantry at 106 South Main Street in Edgerton.
This week is an exciting week for our Food Pantry. The Food Pantry, through Angel Food Ministries and Central Lutheran Church and many individual donors will be receiving more than 90 cases of donated meat. It is often said in the pantry that meat is like gold. Being able to provide families with canned goods is great, but being able to provide them with meat/much needed protein items is fantastic!!!!
I do not believe that this trend of increased need is going to slow in 2010. Edgerton Outreach, with the help of our community will work diligently to meet the need of those who rely on us to ensure that they and their families do not go hungry.