Effectively immediately, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is expanding the assistance we provide to our clients [and donors]. We will extend the hours that we are open, offer additional services and perishables, and even have a professional chef demonstrating how to stretch the food that we provide even farther. Please read the June 1 letter from our Executive Director to our volunteers for more details.
June 1, 2018
Dear Volunteers,
Let me begin by thanking each of you for all you do for the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry. We have made amazing advances over the past few years and it’s all because of your efforts that we are where we are today. Last year alone we provided food to 24,142 individuals – that’s over 2,000 people a month and we continue to track ahead of those figures in 2018.
With the move to the Jefferson Street location we have been able to accomplish so much more for our clients. By providing the ability to select their produce, breads and desserts we have given our clients a respectful environment that they truly value. Furthermore, with the help of individuals, businesses and churches we have continued to provide shelf stable items that feed our clients for 3 – 4 days a week.
Early this month the Federal Government published the “Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households” that found that 40% of American households, or 48 million Americans, could not cover an unexpected $400 expense – a medical bill, car problem or home repair. Although we are experiencing record unemployment, underemployment continues to plague our country.
These are the people we see each week. Many have jobs but just can’t make ends meet in the expensive area that we live in. And so, in this we find our purpose – to help our neighbors feed themselves and their children.
To this end, effectively immediately, we are doubling down on the assistance we provide to our clients. We will extend the hours that we are open, offer additional services and even have a professional chef on hand to demonstrate how to stretch the food that we provide even farther.
You will be receiving a note shortly from Laura S., our volunteer coordinator, requesting assistance with new times and duties – please be generous with your time and let your friends and neighbors know that we need their help as well. With these changes we will now be open 7 days a week in some form or fashion.
Effective June 4, the times we will be open now are:
Day Food Distribution Receiving Donations Monday Closed 10am – 12pm 1pm – 3pm Tuesday 6pm – 8pm 10am – 12pm 3pm – 5pm Wednesday Closed 10am – 12pm 4pm – 7pm Thursday 6pm – 8pm 10am – 12pm 3pm – 5pm Friday Closed 10am – 12pm 3pm – 5pm Saturday 9am – 12pm limited during distribution hours Closed Sunday Closed Closed 4 pm – 6 pm
Furthermore, beginning next Tuesday, June 5th, we will begin our partnership with Wegmans to provide even more items to our clients. We are truly thrilled with this new partnership and hope you will be as well.Thank you again for all you do. I look forward to seeing you soon at the Food Pantry.
Eileen F. Smith, M.Ed.
Executive Director, Board of the HRFP