AMEN Preparing for Increase In Clients for Food Relief with Reduction of SNAP Benefits
AMEN continued to be very busy in the month of February. 234 families were served for the month for a total of 671 individuals. A total of 139 volunteers for 310 hours served the pantry. A total of 3,441 pounds of food were donated.
AMEN has no paid staff, all functions of the pantry are served by volunteers. There are activities that require volunteers not only on open pantry days, but also on all days of the week. Food donations from HE- B and Walmart require drivers to retrieve and bring to the pantry. How does one volunteer? Contact your local church if you are a member, you do not have to belong to a church to volunteer. Leave a message at (979) 968-3943 that you have an interest in volunteering or drop by during open hours on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The pantry is asking all clients to bring shopping bags if possible.
The impact to the pantry with the reduction of SNAP food benefits on March 1 will probably send more to the pantry for food assistance. An example of the reduction a typical family of four was receiving approximately $950 for food has been reduced to $500. This reduction of dollars and the high food costs will have more seeking food pantries for food relief.
The mobile food pantry at Waldeck served 83 individuals, 213 family members. There were 16 new clients and 18 volunteers that distributed 3,494 pounds of food.
A reminder that food distribution at Waldeck is walk up method. Every client needs to bring their own sturdy reusable bags and boxes. A few wagons will be furnished by the food bank. Waldeck food truck is on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. The next serve date is March 18.
Drop off products at the pantry during open hours or leave a message for special drop off times if needed. Normal receiving hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 571, La Grange, Texas 78945.
AMEN continues to appreciate all in the community for their assistance at the food pantry, without your support the pantry would not be able to support the needs of the community.