Food Pantry January 2025

Discontinuing Pre-Pack and Pick-Up

Q&A: Understanding the Changes

  • We’re here to support everyone, but we must simplify how we operate to serve the community well.

  • We encourage everyone to shop in person if they can.

  • We will continue to serve those who require delivery because of transportation or mobility challenges by taking their order and delivering food to their homes.

Why is the pantry asking everyone who can drive or get a ride to come in and shop starting January 2, 2025?

Packing orders for pick-up has become too complicated for us to manage well. To keep serving the community for a long time, we need to focus on a process that works better for everyone. Letting shoppers choose their own groceries in person helps us serve people more efficiently and also, shoppers get to pick their own groceries based on what they really like.

Why are these changes happening now?

As our pantry grows, we need to make sure we’re serving everyone efficiently and that our volunteers can cover the work that needs to be done.  Having shoppers come in and choose their own groceries helps us reduce mistakes, save time, and give both shoppers and volunteers a better experience.

What if I don’t have time to come in or don’t feel comfortable shopping in the pantry?

We’re working to make the shopping process as quick and easy as possible. You may need to adjust your schedule a little to find a time that works. Right now, the pantry is less busy between 2:00–4:00 PM and 4:00–6:00 PM, so those might be good times to shop.

I have been placing a pre-order and coming to pick it up. Can I just place a pre-order and have it delivered now?

If you have transportation to the pantry, we are inviting you to shop in the pantry.  The delivery option is only for shoppers who do not have transportation or who have mobility issues.

 

What happens if I show up at the pantry and it’s really busy?

We’ll do our best to keep things moving quickly. If you have to wait, we encourage you to come during quieter times, like between 2:00–4:00 PM or 4:00–6:00 PM.


Can someone else shop for me?
In extreme circumstances, this may be approved based on an individual basis, but our pantry is structured for people to come in to shop for their own groceries.


Will I still be able to get the same variety of food?
Yes! Shopping in person means you can pick the foods your family likes best. As a matter of fact, you’ll have access to a larger variety of food.