June 2022 Newsletter
The Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 86 households in April. Food distributions in April were equivalent to 3,757 meals, thanks to our community’s amazing support!
In March and April, Geneseo Scout Troops and Packs collected and delivered food during their Scouting for Food drives and Pinewood Derby. Thanks to the Scouts and the donors who participated, the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry received a grand total of 1,277.6 lbs. of food, which amounts to 1,065 meals for our guests! (28% of our total meals served in April!) We appreciate all the effort and generosity!
Thank you to the Girl Scouts Service Unit 886 for collecting, packing, and donating 64 baskets of food for our guests’ Easter meals and 42 baskets of Easter candy for our guests’ children! Our guests were delighted to receive the Easter baskets.
Each week, our friends from Inspire Continuing Care drop off donations they have collected for the Food Pantry. We are so grateful for these hard-working individuals! You can drop off Food Pantry donations at their location: 218 South State Street, Geneseo.
In April, the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry received a visit from University of Illinois Extension for a Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT), a validated environmental assessment that quantifies the nutrition environment of food pantries. The Food Pantry scored 37 points, which is a Gold classification. Staff learned about ways to encourage nutritious choices and donations and are implementing these new strategies.
We welcome any donations of fans or air conditioners. Many of our guests are without air conditioning and would appreciate these donations!
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 food and personal care items. The Food Pantry will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Our Volunteer of the Month, Jim Betsworth, has been volunteering at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for four months. He sorts and displays donations in the clothing room. Jim is married to Lisa, who is also a Food Pantry volunteer. He enjoys gardening, bicycling, attending his grandkids’ events, and playing pickleball. Jim said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is helping others in the community and working with some amazing people. His most memorable experience at the Food Pantry is seeing the gratitude on the faces of the guests! Thank you for all your help, Jim!
Food needs for June are: Coffee, salsa, canned pineapple, crackers, and mayonnaise.
Non-food needs include: Garbage bags, freezer bags, paper plates, shampoo, and conditioner.