Food Pantry Gets Larchmont Rotary Grant

Increases Continue in Food Prices and Need for Services

by Ann LoBue, Food Pantry Volunteer

(July 24, 2008) With the cost of food rising significantly and more families seeking food assistance than ever, the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force was delighted to accept a $1,500 grant from the Larchmont Rotary Club. “We appreciate the great work of the Food Pantry in our communities, and are happy that we are able to offer financial support,” said Rotary President Jim Fleming.

Larchmont Rotary President Jim Fleming presents Hunger Task Force President Carol Cauley with the Rotary’s check for $1,500.

The grant will go directly toward the Food Pantry’s food expenses, which are increasing dramatically. Most households across the country have begun to feel the pinch of higher grocery bills - imagine the increase associated with feeding 260 families. Although the Food Pantry does have the benefit of buying from the Food Bank for Westchester - which generally offers below wholesale prices - the Food Bank itself has not been immune to the rising cost of food. In addition, the Food Bank often does not have in stock all the items that the Food Pantry wants to purchase for its clients. The Food Pantry purchases those foods from a local wholesale grocer.

Rising Summer Use a Concern

In 2007, the pantry served an average of 230 families each time they were open. Since April, 2008, the average number has surged to 260 - with families ranging in size from one to eight persons.

Food Pantry President Carol Cauley expressed concern at the trend. “It’s very troubling that as we work through the summer we continue to serve increasing numbers of families. Summer has traditionally been a time when fewer families have needed help, as more work opportunities have been available. Obviously, the state of the economy has created the opposite situation.”

“We are financially very sound for 2008, " Ms. Cauley added. "My worry and that of our Treasurer Gail Paley is how long we can sustain this level of service before we have to make significant cuts. The current environment makes the gift from the Rotary Club all the more important."

“As we rely on local food drives to keep our costs down, we ask that anyone planning a food drive consider collecting some of the higher-priced items in our bags, including cold cereals, dry milk, peanut butter, mac & cheese and canned tuna,” suggested Ms. Cauley.

Volunteers Needed in August and September

The Food Pantry distributes groceries twice each month on Tuesday nights between 7-8:30 pm and on Wednesday mornings between 9-11am. Volunteers are urgently needed to pack groceries on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm on August 12, August 26, September 9 and September 23.

To volunteer or to learn more about the pantry, call 698-3558 and leave a message. Calls are returned in one week.

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