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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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New London Tiger Food Pantry appreciates community support
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Laurie Jo McBeth placed a message on the Tiger Food Pantry Facebook page. She has noted the marvelous support many organizations and community members have made to the pantry.
The summer began with a surprise. The Food Bank of Iowa received a grant to help families serve breakfasts and lunches. During school, many families need extra help. When the school kitchen closes, many children do not get a breakfast or a lunch. The Tiger Pantry joined the Healthy Kids Iowa program. Extra food for healthy eating was delivered and boxes built. It took a bit of time to figure out how many boxes were needed. There was also extra paperwork as not all families were eligible for this extra food. Additionally only children 4-18 (grades PK-12) could use the program. The last set of boxes is ready to distribute. August is the last month for this special program. ow to best distribute them.
During the school year, students from the MS/HS come over during pantry truck deliveries to help unload. This summer the New London Boys' Baseball team members who have come to help the pantry ladies unload the food trucks. They have greatly helped with the last 3 deliveries. The young men are so very helpful. Laurie noted that the Pantry staff isn’t quite as young as they would like to be. Most are 60 plus. A huge thanks to Coach Flowers and to all the young men who work hard without complaining! They were greatly appreciated.
Another community group has stepped up to the plate and joined the Baseball team in hitting a home run. Members of the VFW Auxiliary 7641 built the Healthy Kids Iowa food boxes for the last two months. They pack up 50 boxes in record time! The Pantry staff has run out of energy by the time the truck is unloaded and goods are put away properly. They are grateful for the help. One doesn’t necessarily realize what “Healthy” is meant by this project. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a large part of the boxes. The Auxiliary getting the boxes ready so quickly and each item in the box has been chosen for its quality.
Last but not least the Tiger Pantry says thank you to all our gardeners, farmers and clubs for sharing their extra produce with our families. It is expensive to eat healthy. Your contributions have made it possible for all to choose healthy, fresh, in season fruits and vegetables. You have surely helped to provide our families with what they need.
Thank you … so much.
