Updated: Aug 8, 2022
Food donations again fell well short of the distribution. We have insufficient of the following to cover next week: (1) canned fruit and (2) dry, unsweetened cereal. Additional shortages for the 8 August distribution: (3) pasta, (4) pasta sauce, (5) canned beans, and (6) “meals in a can” (stew, canned pasta, chili, etc.). (We continue to reduce distribution of canned soup to balance lower donations – we need more to resume giving out normal quantities.)
In addition, we need: baby formula equivalents/substitutes for US-produced Similac Blue and Similac Orange (Sensitive). (Special thanks to those who are locating and donating imported formula! – We have seen some – but very little – from the main US producer.) We also need diapers sizes 5 and 6, baby wipes, and Pediasure, as well as Ensure for adults, and adult unisex pullups sizes small, medium and large.
PAPER GROCERY BAGS (TRADER JOE SIZE OR SIMILAR) CONTINUE IN VERY 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 25 July, we received approximately 1.62 tons of non-perishable food. (Our thanks to St. Francis and St. Bartholomew’s for regular collections, as well as all our individual donors, without which we would be in worse condition!) Shortages noted are for the next two weeks, except baby formula and other items mentioned afterwards are short now.
Overall food reserves are the lowest since March 2020. We do currently have enough for almost seven weeks of canned vegetables, and for three weeks of mac & cheese. Otherwise, for the 15 August distribution everything else is in short supply.
We gave out approximately 2.21 tons of non-perishable food, and somewhat more perishable food (bread and pastries, fresh vegetables and fruit, etc. – primarily donated by local stores) to 227 families in the week ending 25 July. As always, special thanks go to all those helping us to keep St. Martin’s Pantry in operation!
