In September we had eleven food distribution days, which is fewer than normal, but that didn’t stop us from seeing a record number of people. Over 1200 people came in those eleven days, which beat the record set in August. Thanks to a generous donation from another food pantry, our costs were kept down, so even with a record number of people we spent less to feed them all! 

Here are some interesting food pantry facts I learned last month at an annual regional meeting with Second Harvest. 

• Some food pantries have problems with a language barrier - Ukrainian! 
• All food pantries are tired of the never-ending supply of lentils and some put out desperate recipes for using them. They swear making brownies with lentils doesn't taste “beany”. I haven’t tried it… 
• And everyone, all pantries, are dealing with exploding numbers of people needing food. 

It can get discouraging, but being dis-couraged is definitely not a place to dwell. YOU are magnificent at helping us overcome what seems impossible. You bring cereals, canned chicken, fruits, pancake mix and syrup, or money to buy for the wide variety of neighbors who come to us. And somehow there is enough! You are supplying loaves and fishes. Thanks be to God! 

It’s time to think about Thanksgiving baskets. I’m hoping to provide twelve families with food this year, and I think we can do it for $50 a family again, especially if we hit the sales right. I’m looking for turkey breasts or pork shoulders that fit in crockpots, with fixin’s, vegetables and pumpkin pies. Or if you’d like to sponsor a family, that would be so cool! If you write a check or put something in an envelope, just call it “Thanksgiving Baskets” and I’ll get it. We’ll give them away on November 25. THANK YOU, thank you for how you give and care. God bless us all!