The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is open: Mondays 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Food is distributed, and donations are gratefully accepted during business hours. We also have collection boxes in the vestibule at Fareway and at Inspire Continuing Care for donations. The Clothing room is open to all residents of Geneseo and Atkinson on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The Food Pantry will be closed on November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 134 households in August. Food distributions in August were equivalent to 3,753 meals. As the number of guests receiving food is increasing, every donation is greatly appreciated!
The Food Pantry partners with Unity Point to provide two Foot Care Clinics each month. Please call 944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to make an appointment.
If you, your family, business or organization would like to donate ingredients for a Thanksgiving basket for our guests, here is a list of what is needed: Turkey or ham, box mashed potato mix or bag of potatoes, gravy mix or jar of gravy, French fried onions, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, can sweet potatoes or yams, cranberry sauce, corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, pie filling, pumpkin, evaporated milk, pie crust mix, stuffing mix, rolls, sour cream, butter, eggs, whipped topping, ½ gallon milk. Thanksgiving baskets will be packed on November 15. Our guests really appreciate any items that are donated for Thanksgiving baskets! Anyone in need of a Thanksgiving basket may sign up at the Food Pantry.
If your family, business, or organization is interested in providing Christmas gifts for a family in need, please call 944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com. Please indicate the size of the family for whom you would like to provide gifts. Donors will be provided with their sponsored family’s wish list on November 1, and gifts can be delivered to the Food Pantry by December 16.
September was Hunger Awareness Month, and 2022 marks the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry’s 40th year! The Food Pantry hosted an open house on September 22 for the community. Refreshments were served and information was provided about new developments at the Food Pantry. The new Matthew 25 Center was open for guests to see and learn about new services. The Matthew 25 Center, which includes the west wing of the building, has been remodeled to accommodate job coaching, a computer station for guests to use in working toward their goals, large distributions such as the toy drive and food baskets, and various classes that will benefit Food Pantry guests.
On September 29, the Food Pantry will partner with Illinois Extension to provide a free Emergency Preparedness Workshop. Guests will learn about making a plan for the unseen and take home a free disaster preparedness kit. The sign up for the workshop is full.
We are blessed to have Morgan Holthaus complete her Master Social Work practicum at the Food Pantry for nine months! Morgan taught junior high school for four years before deciding to go back to school. She enjoys reading, gardening, and crochet, and hiking with her dog.
The Food Pantry is in need of bath towels and new underwear of all sizes.
Food needs: salsa, cereal, crackers, juice, canned fruit, and vegetables.
Non-food needs: laundry soap, household cleaners, toilet paper, trash bags, and Kleenex.