Spotlight: First Place Food Pantry

Nov. 2022

SPOTLIGHT: FIRST PLACE FOOD PANTRY

Q: How did you get started at the food pantry?

A: As the needs of the pantry continue growing the board of directors realized the need to hire an executive director. Having over 28 years of non-profit experience and a desire to serve the community at the ground led me to this role. It is my pleasure to serve as Executive Director of First Place Food Pantry. I cannot imagine always having to think about where and when my family will be able to have our next meal and want to help those that are having to do so.

Q: What has been the most rewarding experience/moment for you?

A: Being surrounded by such dedicated volunteers serving the community is priceless. We all recognize the great need of our services in the community, especially at this current time. For many of our neighbors it only takes one unplanned medical bill, house or car repair, illness, or being laid off to need food. I am thankful to be part of a supportive community that provides support in a non-judgmental environment, as you never know when you, your family, or friends may need the same support.

Q. What needs do you feel like you are currently meeting in the community

A: While our clients are welcome to visit First Place Food Pantry monthly there are many that we only see once or a few times a year. Our clients are so very grateful that we are available for when they need us.

Q. What do you see as the biggest need/goal that you are currently facing? Or What is a need/goal that you would like to meet in the community?A. Like a lot of businesses there is more to successfully operating a food pantry than meets the eye. We are in essence running a small grocery store. My goals for First Place Food Pantry include extending our hours of operation, offering the quantity of quality food that each family needs, and opening an area to the public to purchase food. Having a prep kitchen to allow for demonstrations, teaching and tasting and to offer “wrap around” services at the pantry is also part of my longterm vision for the pantry.

Q. If money were no object, what would be a goal/project you

Nov. 2022

would want do/complete most? A. Money being no object I would like to expand the pantry and be open

more hours and have clients visit as often as they need. I am very thankful for all our current funders, partners, and donors. I look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen these relationships in order to achieve the needs of the pantry. Funding is always a challenge as the need for our services continues to increase. For anyone who is interested in donating we would be grateful!Q: What has been the most challenging thing for First Place Food Pantry? A: Continuing to meet the growing needs of the pantry during this time is an ongoing challenge. We are always in need of food and volunteers as well as getting the word out to those who need our services. I would love to be out of a job as that would mean no one would be going hungry in Miami County. However, that it not remotely the case; many would be very surprised at the number of our neighbors that are in need. Currently we are serving OVER 100 FAMILIES EACH WEEK and know this will increase during the winter season due to higher prices. We also provide pet food as we have it available. We know our furry friends are part of our family and they need food too. Q: What type of food/items would you like to receive more of especially during the upcoming holiday season?

A: Canned pasta, oatmeal packets, peanut butter, canned veggies, ramen noodles, spices, flour, sugar and cooking oil are always needed (please make sure food is not out of date, damaged or open). We also need can openers, liquid dish soap, deodorant, laundry detergent, toothpaste and pet food. Crock pots are also needed. Q: What do you have coming up at First Place Food Pantry? A: We are working on implementing some very exciting things at First Place Food Pantry. Many folks need food delivered as it is challenging to sometime get to the pantry for numerous reasons. In the coming months we are implementing a delivery system as well as the opportunity to come back into the pantry to shop as well as continuing our drive-thru. It is an exciting time to be able to serve, create and implement creative ways to work towards ending food insecurity. During the upcoming holiday season, we hope to be able to bless those in need with additional items and larger quantities of items that are needed. Your support will help allow us to make this happen and continue the journey to help alleviate food insecurity in Miami County. We also are scheduling volunteer training session; just call if you are interested- we would love for you to join us! Q: What is something you would like to say to someone that wants to help, but isn’t sure where to start/what to do?

A:If you, your organization, business or social group is interested in holding a food drive, touring the pantry, volunteering or having a guest speaker please let me know and we will make it happen; it is that simple! Monetary donations go a long way in purchasing food, personal care items and daily operations at the pantry and are always appreciated.

Call us at 937-570-4329 Email—susan@firstplacefoodpantry Follow us on social media Visit our Amazon Wish List Use your KrogerPlus Card to help us receive community rewards

A huge thank you to First Place Food Pantry from the Troy

Chamber of Commerce, for this wonderful interview!