Food bank OK even in lean months
Despite the few contributions it is given – four to five a week – the Cache Community Food Pantry has enough to serve those in need year-round.
“It’s slow now, holidays are definitely busier,” said Matthew Whitaker, director of the Cache Community Food Pantry. “We save food and allocate through the rest of the year. We have enough for demand.”
Most donations are given during the holiday season, however, there are collections held by different organizations throughout the year. A statewide food drive is held in November.
The postal carriers collect food for the pantry in May. The Boy Scouts of America have a drive in March which has proved to be very successful and brings in the bulk of their food. Utah State University students also help gather products for the food pantry.
Students in the management and human resource department collect household and hygiene items like diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes. This drive is the pantry’s main source for these items.
Those interested in making donations can drop items off at the Cache Community Food Pantry located on 359 S. Main St. The pantry usually receives useful donations, but when receiving food, the volunteers sort out items of poor quality.
However, a Logan resident who goes to the pantry said, “I appreciate the help and I appreciate the food that I get, but not all the stuff I get is usable – some of it is expired.
In response to this claim, Whitaker said, “We don’t guarantee food that is free from defect, but we do our best to make it that way.”
He also called this individual’s experience an exception. Those living on a lower income are often referred to the assistance program by social organizations or they contact the pantry personally. There are certain requirements each individual must meet in order to qualify for the benefits of the food pantry.
These regulations are less strict than those of the government, which requires living on a 100 percent poverty level. To be approved for the benefits of the pantry, a person must be living on a 150 percent poverty level.
An individual qualifies if they are making less than $1,196 a month; a family of two, $1600; a family of three, $2000 and so on. They must provide a pay stub and proof of residency in Cache County. Food can be picked up the same day approval is given. People can shop Monday through Friday.
The Cache Community Food Pantry first began operating in 1972. At the time, the emergency food assistance program served 25 families a month. It has now grown to accommodate the needs of 100 low-income families a week.
The food pantry also serves senior citizen centers and other organizations in Box Elder and Rich counties.
The Cache Community Food Pantry receives funding from the local and federal government. They also accept contributions from businesses, religious organizations and individuals.
-ariek@cc.usu.edu