AMEN Food Pantry Hit By Supply Shortages

TheAMEN food pantry continues to serve large numbers, but has an unusual situation.

“We have ample funds to purchase product from the Central Texas Food Bank, however, currently the Food Bank does not have product to serve the needs of our pantry – and all pantries across Central Texas,” said AMEN treasurer Garry Schellberg. “Simply stated we are having difficulty purchasing volume of products that are required. The Central Texas Food Bank indicates the situation should improve in September.”

The increase in customer requirements across Central Texas and the heat has reduced the product that the food bank isable to provide.Monetary donations will always be needed by the local pantry, but Schellberg said, if possible, for the few weeks an increase in donated products from locals would be helpful.

Items in need are the following: pork and beans, ranch style beans, oatmeal, pineapples, peaches, stew, cannedchicken, dumplings, canned salmon, hamburger helper and saltinecrackers. We currently have an ample supply of green beans, peas, and corn.

268 families were served for the month of July for a total of 727 individuals. A total of 121 volunteers for 289 hours served the pantry. A total of 2,200 pounds of food was donated.

The impact of inflation has brought more individuals to require food.

AMEN will have staff every Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon on location to receive donations. Drive to the side of the building garage door area. There will not be any food distribution on Thursday. If possible, bring your produce during this time and Monday mornings, an ideal time is 8:30 a.m.

Mobile pantry at Waldeck served 110 families for a total of 242 individuals. A total of eighteen volunteers with 5,546 pounds distributed. The mobile pantry will continue to be a drive thru format. The next distribution date is Saturday, Aug. 20 at Waldeck.

Monetary donations to AMEN can be mailed to P.O. Box 571, La Grange, TX 78945.