CAMBA's Beyond Hunger Emergency Food Pantry

Description

Founded in 1988, the Beyond Hunger Emergency Food Pantry serves thousands of individuals and families, providing them with nutritious food to tide them over during a food emergency. In 2009 the food pantry was converted to a Client Choice Pantry. This change allows pantry clients to shop in the pantry, choosing the items that meet the needs of their individual families rather than receiving a pre-packed bag of food.

Because many of the low-income and elderly individuals served are unable to maintain a healthy diet, the pantry distributes a three-day supply of food that includes many low sodium and whole grain options. The pantry serves CAMBA clients as well as clients referred by local churches and other agencies. Services also include review of public benefits and assistance with applications for these benefits, money management, nutritional education, referrals to social service programs and health care providers.

Previously the food pantry served 5000 individuals a year, however as of December 2008 we have seen a 900% increase in use.