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, Nosh, and at Inspire Continuing Care for donations. The Clothing room is open to all residents of Geneseo and Atkinson on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 158 households in May. Combined food distributions in May were equivalent to 6,256 meals. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible!
The Food Pantry has had an increase in families in need this year. We need donations of school supplies, which will be distributed August 7. We are most in need of: Scientific calculators, Clorox or Lysol Wipes, 24-count colored pencils, 10-count Crayola Broad Line markers, dry erase markers, ear buds with a straight plug, Elmer’s purple glue sticks, Fiskar safety scissors, headphones with straight plug, yellow highlighters, tissues, large backpacks, wide ruled loose-leaf paper, red, blue or black pens, pink erasers, wide ruled notebooks, and Ziploc bags (all sizes). Donations may be dropped off during business hours. We have an Amazon school supplies wish list if you’d prefer to purchase them that way, and donations may be shipped directly to the Food Pantry. Check the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry website or Facebook page for the link. We could not provide school supplies without the generosity of our community. Thank you for your support!
Anyone with a Geneseo Schools student in need of school supplies should contact the Food Pantry by calling 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to sign up!
Ed.U Tutoring and College Planning is a local company in Geneseo, IL. that helps students gain confidence through tutoring and mentoring. Ed.U is partnering with the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry to provide free services to students and families who are struggling with school or are interested in pursuing college degrees, technical skills, or military service. Ed.U also offers help with resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills. Ed.U will tackle any educational or professional questions you may have! To schedule a one-on-one appointment, call the Food Pantry at 309 944-3165, or email geneseopantry@gmail.com.
The Food Pantry partners with Unity Point at Home to provide two Foot Care Clinics each month. Nurses soak feet, trim and file toenails, help with ingrown toenails, and give a light foot massage with lotion. Please call 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com to make an appointment. Cost is $37. Food Pantry Guests are provided with a voucher.
Staff from OSF On Call taught a free class about Medicaid and Medicare on June 6 in the Matthew 25 Center at the Food Pantry. We look forward to future presentations by OSF in the future!
Are you interested in preserving your own food at home? Canning is a great option for surplus produce. There are various types of canners for home use, but certain requirements must be met to ensure a safe food product. Let us take the guess work out of canning! Kristin Bogdonas with University of Illinois Extension will cover the types of canners and equipment needs, where to find research tested recipes, and how to safely use these canners when processing food at home. Participants will receive materials to take home for future reference. If you need your pressure canner gauge tested, she can quickly test it for you after class. This class is free but space is limited. The class will be held Thursday, July 20, 2:30-3:30 in the Matthew 25 Center.
Our volunteer of the month, Amy VanKerrebroeck, has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for almost a year. She assists clients shopping for food, stocks shelves, and sorts donations in the clothing room. Amy has a husband, Drew, daughters Aubrey and Callie, a dog Paisley, and cats Candy Cane and Melody. She enjoys reading and baking. Amy said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is the people. She said she enjoyed sorting school supplies at the beginning of the school year to help students get ready for the school year. Thank you for volunteering, Amy!
Food needs: Peanut butter, whole grain crackers, 100% fruit juice, milk, and no salt added canned vegetables.
Non-food needs: Kleenex, laundry detergent, denture cleaner, food storage bags, aluminum foil.
Clothing room needs: Blankets, towels, and washcloths.