Somerset Area Food Pantry issues November service report

Somerset Area Food Pantry served 1277 individuals during November, making a total number of 192,174 served to date since records have been kept. This was revealed by statistician Guy Stoltz and his wife Sally, one of the interviewing staff.

 

Families came from Boswell, Champion, Fairhope, Friedens, Sipesville, Listie, Friedens, Garrett, Markleton, Quecreek, Rockwood, Stoystown and Somerset. There was also one homeless family.

 

The pantry received no USDA commodities.

 

Reasons for clients to receive food were inadequate food or income (484), medical related crises (7), a family oriented crisis and one miscellaneous.

 

Clients receive public assistance, food stamps SSI, pensions, Workman's Compensation, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, WIC, child support, Social Security Disability, non-cash items and Medical Assistance.

 

Clients are able to use the food pantry 15 times for the year as they are in need. After the limited number of visits, clients will be reevaluated by the Community Action Partnership for Somerset County (CAPSC), formerly called Tableland Community Association, for their needs and aid.

 

"We are sympathetic to all needs and no one in need is turned away," said the Rev. Jay Christner, chairman. "We thank our many donors who have given generously for those in need."

 

There were 31 new families served this month.

 

Volunteers served a total of 473 hours during November. Pastors interviewing were the Rev. Joe Panick, the Rev. Will Osman and the Rev. Pat Welsh.

 

Also interviewing were Patricia Brown, Donna Gardner, Janet Gulliver, Betty Harmon, Mona Hammer, Elaine Holsinger, Betty McGee, Cathy Schmuck, site director, James Schrock, Fenna Queer, Ann Sechler, Ray Rizzo, Sally Stoltz and Peggy Egolf.