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 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 234 households in May. Combined food distributions in May were equivalent to 7,974 meals. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible! The Food Pantry has had a 66% increase in families served this year.
The Food Pantry needs donations of school supplies, which will be distributed in early August. We are most in need of: #2 yellow pencils, 1″ 3-ring binder, 1-1/2″ 3-ring binder, Pencil pouch (3-hole, zippered), Book covers (Jumbo), Calculator (scientific), Clorox or Lysol wipes, Colored pencils (12 count), Colored pencils (24 count), Composition book (Wide -ruled), Crayola Broad Line markers (10-count), Crayola Fine Line markers (10 count), Crayola crayons (24-count), Divider tabs with pockets, Dry erase markers (Expo Fine tip), Dry erase markers (Wide), Ear buds (straight plug), Elmer’s purple glue stick, Elmer’s extra-large glue stick, Fiskar safety scissors, Headphones with straight plug, Highlighter (yellow), Index cards (3×5″), Kleenex, Large book bag, Loose leaf paper (wide ruled), Paper towels, Pens (blue or black), Pink eraser, Plastic pencil box (cigar style), Plastic pocket folder with 3-hole, Plastic pocket folder with prongs, Post It Notes (3×3″), Post It Notes (4×4″), Scissors (student size), Sharpie Markers (Fine black), Spiral notebooks (wide ruled, 100 page), Spiral notebooks (wide ruled, 70 page), Spiral notebook (3-subject), Ticonderoga yellow #2 pencils (10 count), Twistable Colored pencils (12-count), Ziploc bags (Gallon), Ziploc bags (sandwich), Play Doh (4 oz.), Paper Plates (100 count), Crayola markers (12 count), Scotch brand painter’s tape (1 in.), Craft Felt (4 assorted colors, 9×12 felt). 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 geneseofoodpantry.org or the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry Facebook page for the link. We could not provide school supplies without the generosity of our community. Thank you for your support!
Do you have a Geneseo Schools student in need of school supplies? Contact the Food Pantry by calling 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com.
Anyone whose children receive Backpack Blessings in the Geneseo School District may pick up their Backpack Blessings at the Food Pantry while school is out for summer.
Jasmine from River Bend Food Bank will be at the Food Pantry Monday, July 1, 9:00-12:00 to answer questions and help people sign up for SNAP.
Hammond-Henry dietitian will provide a class about cooking healthy food at the Food Pantry on Tuesday, August 13, at 1:00. Try some new foods and receive recipes! This class is free and open to the public.
Do you want to achieve significant life changes and receive help and support setting and reaching your goals? Then the Five Loaves program at Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is for you! Call 309-944-3165 or visit geneseofoodpantry.org for more information.
The Food Pantry partners with Wright Foot Left and Sole Relief 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.
Our Volunteer of the Month, Dan Fitzgerald, has been volunteering at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for three years. Dan picks up food distributions from Midwest Food Bank and River Bend Food Bank and delivers the food to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. Dan also does heavy lifting when needed. He is widowed with four adult children and four grandchildren. Dan’s hobbies are running, vintage cars and motorcycles, and chasing grandchildren. He said he feels fortunate to be retired and have the time available to help support the Food Pantry. Dan said his favorite memory from volunteering is seeing another food pantry pick up their food in a small SUV, and being amazed at how much they squeeze into the small vehicle every time. Our food pantry would have a lot less food without Dan’s deliveries, so we are very grateful for Dan, his truck, and all his hard work! Thank you, Dan!
Food needs – Pasta sauce, brownie and cake mixes, cereal, pudding and jello.
Non-food needs: Toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent and cleaners.
Clothing room needs: Men’s clothing, children’s clothing, sheets, towels and wash clothes.