As of June 1, the BSPC Food Pantry has provided food to 23,760 individuals—an increase of 23% (4361 individuals) from the same time in 2023.

Why do so many people need food?

Yes, unemployment is at record low, the stock market is at record highs.  Increased costs of food and housing coupled with the end of pandemic era support programs mean more people cannot afford all the food to feed their families.  Food pantries help fill that gap.

What do Pantry shoppers need most?  Meat, milk, eggs, produce. Purchasing healthy foods depletes their limited budget.  When a pantry provides these items, families can stretch their dollars further.  Since January 1, more than $40,000 – 85% of our food budget— has been used to purchase these healthy foods.

Every week we distribute 108 gallons of milk, 162 half gallons of milk and 270 dozen eggs.

Every $25 donated purchases milk and eggs for 5 families of 4.

Every month we deliver 400+ meal bags to seniors and working families that cannot come to the Pantry.

Every $50 donated provides 7 meal bags.

The cost of diapers and feminine hygiene may leave a family without enough money to buy all the food they need.  With the support of incredible partners like the Female Benevolent Society, the Columbus Diaper Coalition and the Red Tent Society who donate diapers and feminine hygiene supplies , we distribute more than 500 packages of feminine hygiene and almost 1000 packs of diapers every month at no cost to the Pantry.

Every week we distribute 400 pounds of meat.  That’s not a lot for 250 families but it is all our budget allows.

Every $25 donated purchases meat for 6 families of 4.

Every week we distribute more than 2000 pounds of produce.  From June through September, most of our produce is purchased from local farms through our Fresh for All program, grown in the Broad Street Garden, or donated by community gardens like our partner, A Garden for All, and home gardeners.

Every $25 donated purchases produce for 4 families of 4.

Want to know more?  Watch this video to experience shopping at the Broad Street Food Pantry.

 

As of June 1, the BSPC Food Pantry has provided food to 23,760 individuals—4361 more than the same time in 2023.

How do we do It?

Volunteers! The hours volunteers donate each week are valued at $1908 – that’s the cost of food for 493 individuals.

Your support!  More than 90% of our income comes through the Neighborhood Ministry Campaign and weekly contributions from members and friends.

We cannot do it without you!

 

-Written by Kathy Kelly-Long, Director of the Broad Street Food Pantry

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