Date: August 27, 2009

Food pantry benefits from fair auction.

 
Mary Ann Vanderbrook hands over the last of a freezer full of chickens to Linda Mangold, director of the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry in
Three Oaks MI

The pantry pays pennies a pound through their resources, so your dollars go farther than they can in a grocery store. Just $10 bought all this - over $60 worth of groceries!

 

 

New Buffalo Savings Bank continues their tradition of supporting Berrien County youth and the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry. The bank purchased over three dozen chickens at the 2009 Berrien County Youth Fair small animal auction and delivered them to the pantry soon after. 

 

Linda Mangold, director of the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry, welcomed the freezer full of chickens. The pantry is experiencing first hand the effect of the economic difficulties on our community.  “In a normal economy,” said Mangold, “we see two or three new households a month seeking assistance. Over the last year and a half, we’ve seen ten to fourteen new families each month.” The pantry used to assist an average of about 100 people a month. That number has increased to 150. Mangold indicated the pantry’s monthly income is not keeping up with outflow of services.

 

When asked about a wish list for the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry, Mangold asked that people consider a tax deductible financial donation. “We purchase food from Gleaners, a national food bank servicing local food banks. The pantry pays pennies a pound so our dollars go farther than they can in a grocery store.” Just $10 buys over $60 worth of groceries.

 

The pantry also welcomes non-perishable food items and sundry donations with open arms. On the top of the list: Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry soap, dish soap, canned fruits, meal mixes, canned meats and tuna, nutrition drinks.

 

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry at 756-7472 to determine eligibility.

 

Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry and Thrift Store, 6 S. Elm St. Three Oaks MI 49128. Tuesday 10-6. Wed – Sat 10-4. Food days: Tues-Thurs only 10-3. Closed Sunday and Monday.