Again last minute deliveries covered our last shortages for this past Monday, even as client numbers hit a new 16-month high. However, incoming donations totaled about one-third ton less than the distribution – again pulling down food reserves. Thanks to all who helped! More help needed!
We have insufficient of the following to cover next week: (1) dry, unsweetened cereal, (2) pasta, (3) pasta sauce, (4) canned fruit, and (5) “meals in a can” (stew, canned pasta, chili, etc.). Additional shortages for the 29 August distribution: (6) canned beans, and (7) dry rice/beans. (We continue to reduce distribution of canned soup as food reserves continue to drop.)
In addition, we need: diapers sizes newborn, 3, 5 and 6, baby wipes, and Pediasure, as well as Ensure for adults, and adult unisex pullups size large. (Particular thanks to those who have located and donated formula – for three weeks now, we had enough for those needing it – after six months of severe shortages!)
Paper grocery bags (Trader Joe size or similar) remain in short supply. Can you help? Plastic newspaper bags and plastic grocery bags are always needed. Plastic 12-egg cartons are very much needed. Other 12 or 6 unit containers are useful as back-ups. (18 and 24-egg containers are too large for our distribution).
Over the week ending at close of business 15 August, we received approximately 2.09 tons of non-perishable food. Food shortages noted are for the next two weeks, except other items mentioned afterwards which are short now
We still have enough canned vegetables for just over five weeks, however, for the 5 September distribution everything else is short.
We gave out approximately 2.41 tons of non-perishable food, and substantially more perishable food (bread and pastries, fresh vegetables and fruit, etc. – primarily donated by local stores) to 248 families in the week ending 15 August. As always, special thanks go to all those helping us to keep St. Martin’s Pantry in operation!
