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 Food Pantry will be closed November 27 & 28 — December 25 & 26.
Because of the community’s generous support, the Food Pantry provided food and emergency assistance to 433 households in September. Thanks to the many donors who make all this possible!
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.
If you, your family, business or organization would like to donate ingredients for a Thanksgiving or Christmas food basket for our guests, here is a list of what is needed: Turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potato mix, gravy mix, French cut green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes or yams, creamed corn, corn, corn muffin mix, pumpkin, evaporated milk, pie crust mix, aluminum roasting pan for turkey. Donations may be dropped off at the Food Pantry during business hours: Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday or Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or Friday 9:00 a.m. – noon. Non-perishable ingredients also may be placed in the donation bins at Fareway, NOSH or Inspire Continuing Care. Thank you for your support!
Dietitians from Hammond-Henry Hospital presented a healthy cooking class on Oct. 14. They will teach another class on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 1:00 at the Food Pantry. Participants can learn how to prepare healthy and delicious dishes, try samples, and take home recipes! The classes are free and open to the public.
If you, your family, or organization would like to provide Christmas gifts for a family in need, fill out the form at www.geneseofoodpantry.org or call the Food Pantry at 309-944-3165. The Food Pantry will contact you with a family’s wish list including sizes, favorite colors, etc. on November 1. Gifts should be delivered by Monday, December 15. You can make the holidays special for a local family in need!
The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month, Cathy Smit, has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for one year. She assists guests while they shop for food and clothing, sorts and displays clothing donations, and stocks shelves. Cathy has a husband, Alan, and three grown children: Maya, Emily and Lucas. She enjoys crocheting, crafts, and thrifting. Cathy said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry are the guests! Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry is Scouting for Food. Cathy said, “It was a wonderful experience that I had with my children for many years and now I get to meet all the clients in the community that this annual event supports.” Thank you for all you do for our guests, Cathy!
Thank you to all who donated to the food drive at Fareway on October 12. Shoppers donated 278.3 lbs of food and $301 in monetary donations! Thank you for helping those in need have food for Thanksgiving! Henry County Farm Bureau will host the next food drive at Fareway on Saturday, November 8, 9:00-2:00.
Henry County Farm Bureau will have a food drive at Fareway on Saturday, November 8, 9:00-2:00. With changes in the economy, the Food Pantry needs more food than ever to help those in need!
Are you interested in volunteering? Email Nicole at geneseopantry1@gmail.com or call 309-944-3165.
The clothing room is especially in need of: Sheet sets all sizes, bath towels, washcloths, men’s clothing all sizes and children’s underwear.
Monetary donations may be made at geneseofoodpantry.org or mailed to: P.O. Box 324
Geneseo, IL 61254
Food Needs: Juice, coffee, chips, sugar, spaghetti sauce, pancake mix, syrup, cake mix, flour, jello, cooking spray and all kinds of soups.
Non-Food Needs: Toilet paper, paper towels, men’s body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, cleaning supplies, baby wipes, diapers, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.