Bureau County Food Pantry fulfilling the need of a new demographic

PRINCETON – It comes without saying that the pandemic has changed things in many ways. It’s changed the way some of us work. It’s changed the way some of us do business. It’s shifted the needs of our community. Those changes are all noted at the Bureau County Food Pantry as it works to fulfill a need from an older demographic in the area.

Director Vanessa Hoffeditz said there is still a need to eliminate hunger out there, but the need is coming from a new demographic. Many individuals and households being served today at the pantry have trended more towards retirees and those living on a fixed income, such as social security.

Hoffeditz said many households that the pantry was serving before the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular those with children, are now receiving additional resources through the pandemic EBT benefits and don’t need the help from the pantry anymore. It’s the clients that don’t receive the EBT benefits who are needing the help more than ever.

Hoffeditz said these individuals and households are also needing help more frequently throughout the month. To help meet that need, the pantry has implemented its second helping program that allows individuals to use the food pantry more than once a month.

“Some individuals are able to get food weekly and we’ve been doing that since July,” Hoffeditz said. “Probably 85-90% of regular households I receive are now taking advantage of that.”

The second helpings program used to only serve families with children during the summer months that the children were home from school.

Hoffeditz said she anticipates the second helpings program to continue for the new demographic of individuals through the longterm. An increase in natural gas and utilities this winter and inflation at the grocery store are what’s driving that decision.

The food pantry continues to collect food and financial donations to support the need. Hoffeditz reminds that for every $1 donated, it can purchase $10 worth of food from the food bank.

She encourages people to take a look in their own pantries at the items they purchase and enjoy – those same items are what’s needed at the food pantry. She said macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, crackers, etc.

With the change in demographics, Hoffeditz said items that are sugar-free or low sodium are also appreciated.

For anyone looking to drop off food or financial donations, Hoffeditz recommends that they call ahead to ensure someone will be in the office to receive the donations.

With the holidays approaching, the food pantry is planning on providing Thanksgiving meals to patrons. Folks who would like to help offset the cost of the meals are welcome to donate financially for the cause. Hoffeditz estimates meals to cost anywhere from $35 and up.

The food pantry may also be donating Christmas meals, as well. More information about the Christmas meals will be forthcoming, but anyone who would like to donate to the meals is welcome to do so as well. Throughout the pandemic, Hoffeditz said she can’t thank her volunteers enough for sticking around during the unknown and challenging times.

“They have risen to the challenges during the pandemic. They’ve been outside in all the elements – snow, freezing rain, heat – they have been tremendous through it all. They always bring a positive attitude and friendly smile that make folks welcome when they come here and I can’t say enough good about them,” she said.

The food pantry is also in need of additional volunteers. Those interested can call to learn more information. Students needing service learning hours are also welcome to call and volunteer their time for the cause.

“It’s important to learn to think beyond yourself and experience different things so that you have an awareness of your community,” Hoffeditz said.

Individuals, businesses and organizations also continue to support the food pantry, whether through financial donations or food drives held throughout the year, Hoffeditz said she appreciates all their efforts in helping to eliminate hunger in the community.

“We could not do it without them,” she said. “During uncertain times, so many people stepped up to ensure the need was met. I can’t thank them enough.”

The Bureau County Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11:20 a.m. and on the first Thursday of the month from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The food pantry is located at 1019 N. Main St., Princeton. Contact the food pantry at 815-875-6064.