New equipment helps PCM food pantry continue to fill needs

The PCM Food Pantry recently received two grants to help with the purchase of both a new refrigerator and freezer. With the growing need of the pantry and failure of previous equipment, the grant money came at the perfect time.

“Blessing is a continual theme for the PCM Food Pantry. The latest blessing arrived in the form of two grants to address pressing needs for refrigeration,” Monroe Presbyterian Church Pastor and Food Pantry Director Ann Johnson said.

The pantry began scheduled hours of operation in 2011. By 2012 it had become a part of the Food Bank of Iowa which allowed it to purchase for significantly reduced prices and receive free USDA products. Also at that time, the pantry received donations of used refrigerators and freezers.

Last winter, after constant use of the appliances it became apparent that new machines would soon be needed.

“Before plans were fully in place, the refrigerator in the main pantry room stopped working and volunteers scrambled to the other available refrigerator to supply the neighbors with refrigerated items,” Johnson said.

In April, the pantry received grant money in the amount of $1,000 from the Iowa Food Banks Association and was able to purchase a new refrigerator. Only three months later, the pantry was notified that the Jasper County Foundation would grant $800 to be put toward the purchase of a new freezer.

With the addition of the new refrigerator and freezer, the pantry will be able to continue to provide meat, milk, eggs and potential perishable products and keep all supplies safe.

“The pantry has seen steady usage over the first part of 2015, with a spike of usage occurring in June with 182 distributions made in that month,” Johnson said.

During growing months, a steady stream of garden produce comes in from the Prairie City Church of the Brethren and the Seeds of Hope Food Pantry Garden, a project of the Prairie City United Methodist Church. Those donated items supplement what the pantry purchases from the Food Bank of Iowa. Additional items are received and purchased through donations from area churches as well as school drives, clubs, organization and individuals.

Volunteers work shifts on Monday morning and evening along with Thursday morning totaling 21 hours a week. A crew of three to four people also goes to the Food Bank of Iowa to pick up and deliver orders and many additional volunteers take the food to the storage or pantry room.

“Indeed the PCM Food Pantry is blessed with its ability to provide food and other items to people who have a need,” Johnson said.