Critical Issues → Food Pantry
Help Your Local Food Pantry
During the Northeast District Convention in October, we asked the participants to bring toiletries and cleaning supplies rather than the usual non-perishable food items. Everyone gave so generously and we were able to give to both Equinox, a domestic violence service center, and to the Bethlehem food pantry, both located in the Albany area. The following is a speech given by Jane Sanders, Northeast District' membership secretary, who works closely with these agencies. She has some helpful suggestions for us both individually and for our Sisterhoods.
To those of you who donated toiletries today, I thank you on behalf of the Bethlehem Food Pantry to which it will be given. Did you know that the nation's poverty rate jumped to 14% in 2009, its highest level since 1994? There are more than 43 million Americans in need; this is the highest number in 51 years of record keeping, according to the US government's newest census figures. The poverty threshold level for a family of four is $21,954, and $10,956 for an individual. So much for the numbers. What can you do to help some of these people?
Give food or money to a food pantry near you. Most small towns have at least one food pantry and cities have many. Chances are you may not know where they are located. Look on-line or call one of your local churches if your synagogue does not have a pantry. In Albany County, the area where we are now, there is a well-coordinated coalition of food pantries, with 53 members that obtain food at discount prices in order to benefit more people. Part of my work involves managing a food pantry in the town where I live. The number of families in need of food is rising steadily.
Traditionally, the US Postal Carriers, also known as your mailmen and mailwomen, have had two food collections dates each year when tons and tons of food that are given to local food pantries. Now there will only be one per year in May. They have cut out the November drive but you can still donate to a local pantry. Food and toiletries, the full size containers, not just the hotel samples, are needed. People can't use Food Stamps to purchase toilet paper, toothpaste, soap or laundry detergent. No, they are not food, but they are items we all need and they can be quite costly.
Ask what your pantry needs and you will be given some ideas of what to collect or to purchase. The Boy Scouts have a food collection each November. When you find the plastic bag to leave out on November 20th please don't give the old food that has already been on your kitchen shelf for two years. If it's out of date and you give it to a Pantry it will be thrown out. Even though they may be poor, they are not getting your expired food. We probably throw out at least 20% of donations because they are outdated, extremely dented or rusty. Each time we get goods from a food drive, we have a contest to see who can find the oldest item. The other day one of the volunteers found a can of soup that had expired in 2002. On my desk in a cardboard box of loose Tetley tea leaves. It is navy blue with silver writing on it. I'm still trying to figure out how old this box of tea is! Please donate new boxes of cereal, cans of tuna fish, coffee, vegetables or soup - you get the main idea. Purchase a few items each week when you shop, and give it to a Food Pantry at the end of the month!
Food is needed all year round, not just at traditional holiday times. Donate during the summer months. Have a barbeque and collect ketchup and mustard and relish for a pantry! If you have a party, ask people to bring an item for the local food pantry instead of a hostess gift. When your book group gets together, have an item of the month – whether it is shampoo or dish detergent or canned fruit, it will be welcomed by your local pantry. In your publicity for sisterhood programs or meetings, encourage a collection of food or cash for your local food pantry. Think bigger: have a synagogue collection during the high holy days. I have been most touched by young children, 7 or 8 years old, who have asked for donations of food for the pantry instead of birthday gifts. We have had families forfeit holiday gifts in favor of buying items that we need for the pantry, doing their little bit of Tikkun Olam.
My goal is to open your eyes to a very easy way to assist people in need. I hope that I have given you some, as they say, food for thought about how you can work with a food pantry near your home. Thank you for this opportunity.
Jane Sanders, Northeast District Membership Secretary
