Lord’s Cupboard needs canned meat

FAIRFIELD - The Lord's Cupboard food pantry in Fairfield is asking for donations of canned meat, something that is in high demand.

The Lord's Cupboard Executive Director Laura Cohen said canned meats are rarely donated to the pantry despite their need.

'When people think of buying items to donate, their minds seem to go more in the direction of canned vegetables and soups,” Cohen said. 'Those are absolutely valuable, too, and are items that we give out with every full food order. But the canned meats are almost always in short supply on our shelves.”

Cohen said canned meats are an important part of every full-food order because they offer a quick and easy way to add protein to a meal and can make a quick lunch or snack after school.

'They are also extremely important for our clients who have no way to refrigerate or cook raw meats,” Cohen added.

The Lord's Cupboard receives hundreds of pounds of fresh meat every week from Fairfield Walmart. Walmart freezes meat that is about to expire and donates it to the pantry. Volunteers pick up the meat three times a week, and it stays frozen until it is distributed.

'Walmart also donates dented cans, produce, and other items, but we are thankful that meat is the mainstay of what they send our way,” Cohen said.

The coronavirus has forced the food pantry to change how it distributes food. It has moved to 'contactless” distribution, where patrons receive their food order through a window and by appointment. Cohen said many clients love having a set appointment time and hope the pantry keeps doing that for the foreseeable future. On the other hand, some people are struggling with the change.

Cohen said she's noticed a lot of new faces in the past year, brand-new clients who said they've never had to use a food pantry until now. At the same time, some clients who used to come regularly, due to a permanent disability or condition, have stopped.

Where have they gone?

'I worry that there are hungry people in our community who are not taking advantage of our services,” Cohen said. 'I strongly urge people to talk to their family members, friends, and neighbors, and make sure that people have enough to eat.”

Those worried about leaving their home, or unable to do so, don't have to come to The Lord's Cupboard. They can get a friend to pick up their order for them.

'For those intimidated by the appointment system, all it takes is a phone call,” Cohen said.

The Lord's Cupboard number is 641-472-8457. Potential clients can sign up over the phone and schedule their appointment.

'Donations from our generous community have been wonderful,” Cohen said. 'We have plenty of food to give, and we want to make sure our Jefferson County neighbors are fed.”

Patrons can sign up for an appointment on The Lord's Cupboard's Facebook page by clicking the blue 'Book” button at the top. Masks are required when picking up food.

The pantry recommends scheduling an appointment early because appointments fill up one to two days in advance.

Clients can sign up to receive a large full food order can once every three months. They also can get a bread order once a week. Clients can specify if they want their orders to be vegetarian.

Appointments are available from 1-3:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Lord's Cupboard will be closed Monday in honor of Presidents Day.