February 2023 Newsletter
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.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 125 households in December. In addition to our regular food distribution, we had provided 134 families with Christmas food baskets. Combined food distributions in December were equivalent to 7,902 meals. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible!
The Food Pantry partners with Unity Point to provide two Foot Care Clinics to the public 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 $32 but Food Pantry guests are given a voucher.
Dietitians from Hammond-Henry Hospital taught a free “New Year New Me” class on January 17 in the Matthew 25 Center at the Food Pantry. Guests were provided with recipes for lower cost healthy dishes, a cooking demonstration, and free samples of healthy food. The Dietitians will be back to teach a Heart Healthy Cooking Class on February 21 at 10:00, and the public is invited.
The first Guest Advisory Board (GAB) meeting was held January 23 at the Food Pantry. This board is made up of a few of the guests who use the services of the Food Pantry and staff of the Food Pantry. The suggestions provided by the GAB will help the Pantry develop services in line with actual pantry guest needs.
Director Michael Sigwalt helped coordinate the first River to River Food Pantry Coalition meeting on January 19th. River to River Food Pantry Coalition strengthens and revitalizes communities by contributing to better health through improved access to nutritious foods. River to River Food Pantry Coalition builds community by strengthening, supporting, and promoting the collaborative work of food pantries in the Upper Midwest with the goal of improving the overall health and wellness of pantry guests served. This coalition serves: Bureau, Henry, LaSalle, Marshall, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, and Whiteside Counties.
The clothing room is currently low on clothing size 2XL and larger. Warm winter clothing is still appreciated. We also accept household items, toys, games, books, videos and music.
Our Volunteer of the Month, Melanie Curran, has been volunteering at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for 2-1/2 years. Melanie works in the clothing room sorting household and clothing items. She has a husband, Doug; son, Nathan; and dog, Samantha. Melanie enjoys traveling with her husband, going to movies, and taking walks. She said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is knowing that you’re helping the community and working with all the great volunteers. Melanie’s most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when we had a guest who had moved here from out of state with no household goods. It was good to fill up a cart with the items she needed. Thank you, Melanie!
Food needs: Juice, salsa, coffee, cereal, and crackers.
Non-food needs: Dish soap, paper towels, garbage bags, and Ziploc bags.