Many hands make light work

The food pantry at my Church is in full swing.
We are small.
We normally giving enough groceries for a week
to 15 to 20 families.
Families come on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Our families usually are referred to us by the city
since we have no real "clearing" team.
I am on a mission to begin to get our elderly to come for help as well.

Most of the food is by donation in the bins at the Church hall.
You would be surprised how much food comes in two cans at a time.
Favorites are canned chicken, hearty soups, spaghetti and PB&J
A local deli gives us loads of bread
and a grocery gives us their "almost ready to throw out" produce
AND all of their 'old cakes"!

This time of year we are on double time.
I am sure you have seen lots of "State Food bank" ads for donations.
Unfortunately for us, the food bank charges us to buy the donated food.
Bummer.
Soooo---we set out begging.
Actually, people don't seem to mind
because they know we distribute well.

Last year we packed Thanksgiving for 82 families.
The families of one or two get turkey breast. The rest get a full bird.

We have a neighboring fully Spanish speaking parish
Usually we provide for about 20 families.
This year the number has jumped to about 40.
They prefer pork or chicken to turkey
and we are happy to fill their bags.
They get corn meal of tortillas as well.

This year the parish has been very generous.
We are still short about 20 turkeys, but we still have a week.
We have enough cakes, stuffing, milk, beans and corn for everyone
The Amish donate bags of potatoes and onions.

We also supply much of the base for the homeless shelter foods.

Many hands make light work,

What happens in your community during Thanksgiving.

PS- we turn around and do the same thing for Christmas!
Busy bees we are. Busy bees!