PANTRY REPORT AND SHORTAGES AS OFSEPTEMBER 26

Overall incoming food donations over the past week were over a half-ton less than food distributed.

We are short of the following to cover next week: (1) pasta sauce, (2) “meals in a can” (stew, canned pasta, chili, etc.), and (3) dry, unsweetened cereal. Additional shortages for the 10 October distribution: (4) canned beans, (5) pasta, (6) canned fruit, (7) mac & cheese, and (8) canned soup.

In addition, we need: diapers sizes newborn, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, baby wipes, and Pediasure, as well as Ensure and adult unisex pullups size large. (We are continually thankful for those who have located and donated formula – for now we continue to have enough for all those needing it – after six months of severe shortages!)

Paper grocery bags (Trader Joe or Wegmans size or similar) continue to be 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).

In the two weeks ending 19 September, we received about 2.35 tons per week of non-perishable food. Over the week ending at close of business 26 September, we received approximately 1.76 tons of non-perishable food. Food shortages noted above are for the next two weeks, except other items mentioned afterwards which are short now

Thanks to our donors, at current projected client totals, we now have enough canned vegetables for over three weeks, and canned meat/fish for over five weeks. For the 17 October distribution everything else is short.

We gave out approximately 2.31 tons of non-perishable food, and perhaps the same of perishable food (bread and pastries, fresh vegetables and fruit, etc. – primarily donated by local stores) to 237 families in the week ending on 12 September, and a further 2.0 tons of non-perishable food, and perhaps the same of perishable food to 205 families in the week ending on 19 September. In the week ending 26 September, we gave out some 2.4 tons of non-perishable food and rather less perishable food to 247 families. As always, special thanks go to all those helping us to keep St. Martin’s Pantry in operation!