June 11, 2025

It was another busy Saturday morning at the pantry. On June 7th we served 133 households comprised of 496 individuals. We welcomed eleven new households and 29 new individuals.

The pantry garden produced 200 pounds of freshly harvested collard greens to supplement our produce distribution. We were also able to offer several other types of donated produce. Fresh produce is actively embraced by many of our visiting neighbors.

Regarding the pantry garden, thanks to the generosity of a Deerfield CCRC Charity Fund grant we were able to purchase another hoop house.  A team of skilled volunteers has spent the last few weeks constructing it. The new hoop house will have electrical service shortly. With two hoop houses the pantry will be able to provide home grown vegetables the year round.

On Wednesday, June 11th there will be a Blessing of the pantry garden and hoop house at 5PM followed by a volunteer appreciation event with heavy hors d’oeuvres in the parish hall at 6PM.

This week a pantry volunteer, Carey, brought a huge donation of canned salmon and eco-friendly detergent sheets for distribution to our neighbors. Her daughter, Catherine, is affiliated with Conscious Alliance, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting communities in crisis through hunger relief and youth empowerment.

On Wednesday a Mini Manna delivery was received by the pantry. A long thank you to Doug Arney, Kim Potthoff and Ann and two grandchildren who sorted 600 pounds of produce, shelved cases of cereal, and mangos on pallets.

We continue to recognize and thank partner churches, community members, civic organizations, schools, retirement communities, donors, foundations, and all who have contributed in many ways to this ministry of service to those experiencing food insecurity.

- Fred Yopps, for the Executive Committee