Dilworth Food Pantry Co-Op Pitches In

  • Written by Merrie McGrath

 As everyone no doubt knows, demand is higher than ever at our area food pantries and donations are down as a result of the economic downturn.  In response to the ever increasing need, some neighbors have devised a way to pitch in and help by forming the Dilworth Food Pantry Co-Op. 

The concept is simple:  Neighbors buy sale items at their grocery or warehouse store and leave them on their front porch (one suggestion is to add the item “food pantry” to your grocery list as a reminder).  They then email or call Co-Op coordinators, MerrieMcGrath and her son, Aubrey, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 704-281-1948.   Aubrey and Merrie will pick the items up and make sure they are delivered to the food pantry. 

Currently, Merrie and Aubrey are delivering items to Catholic Social Services (CSS) which operates a food pantry at 1123 South Church Street and serves all people with needs, regardless of religion or race.  CSS has seen the need for food increase from 300 people per month to 800.  Shelves empty very quickly.  CSS received $40,000 from the Critical Response Fund recently established in Mecklenburg County to assist local agencies to provide for basic needs.  The fund, which is to be distributed through May, is already more than half depleted.  Requests to CSS for rent and utility assistance have also increased dramatically—from about 6 per month to 40.  By providing food for the pantry, we can help CSS by allowing them to use the funds to meet these increased rent and utility needs.

            The list of items that the pantry is always in need of include: 

            *peanut butter

            *spaghetti sauce with meat

            *hearty soups

            *canned meats-tuna, spam, Vienna sausages, canned chicken, etc…

            *spaghetti

and any other items that can make a hearty meal.  Larger items from warehouse clubs are less desirable because many of the clients are homeless and cannot carry them.

 

            Please join the Dilworth Food Pantry Co-Op.  Together Dilworth neighbors can make a difference.