Easter giving at Hall Township Food Pantry

Hall Township Food Pantry (sponsored by Project Success) brings hunger relief to nine cities in Eastern Bureau County by collecting foods and distributing these items to neighbors in need. In January, HTFP distributed food to 310 families (940 people). Patrons of the Pantry reside in Arlington, Bureau, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Hollowayville, Ladd, Seatonville and Spring Valley.

Martin said it is Project Success’ mission to ensure its most vulnerable populations — children, families and seniors — have access to a reliable source of healthy nutrition.

“This goal would not be attainable without the continued support and giving goodness of the community,” Martin said. “Donations to the Food Pantry are the key ingredient that turns hunger into hope for people in need. The need is growing as more and more families become food insecure, which means they don’t know the source of their next meal.”

Patrons of HTFP are allowed to obtain food once a month and often when they come to the pantry they are in desperate need, with empty refrigerators and cupboards. As a client-choice pantry, patrons are allowed to “shop” with volunteers acting as personal shoppers. By the time patrons leave the pantry, their shopping cart is full.

“This is only possible because of the generosity of a very giving community,” Martin said. “This support makes it possible for us to continue to bring security to families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.”

On March 27, groceries for a complete Easter dinner will be distributed at the pantry. Patrons enrolled at the pantry (no new clients will be allowed to sign-up on distribution day) may come for Easter distribution between the hours of either 10 a.m. to noon, or 5 to 7 p.m. (For the past few weeks, patrons have been signing up and may do so until March 25.)

HTFP is in the process of collecting foods and/or funds for Easter distribution. Dinner items will include: Ham or chicken; bags of potatoes; cream of mushroom, celery or chicken soup; canned corn or beans, canned or jars of gravy; boxes of Jello, canned fruit, heads of lettuce; salad dressing; eggs, milk, butter, biscuits and carrot cake. (You may sponsor an Easter dinner for a family in need by donating $35 per box. In addition, Martin would like to provide an Easter basket of candy to each family and will gladly accept baskets and items to fill them.)