Business is booming at the Kent Food Pantry on High and Mill Streets in Chestertown. Job losses, foreclosures, and the declining purchasing power of fixed incomes have caused many Kent County residents to seek food donations in greater numbers than ever before—contributing to food insecurity not seen since the Great Depression, according to Kent Food Pantry Director Miriam Greenlee.
“The range in clients is from people who have lost their job, lost their home, and retired people who can’t make ends meet,” said Greenlee. “Food is so pricey now and some people can’t afford food and their medications—it’s a toss-up. People tell me they’re cutting their medicine in half to stretch it, and this is what people are doing to survive…it’s dangerous.”
A Volunteer with Kent Food Pantry fills a cart for a family in need
Greenlee said the hardship has greatly affected children.
“We see families who’ve lost their homes or have been asked to leave their residences because they can’t pay the rent, “ Greenlee said. “It’s especially hard if they have children. It’s hard for kids to go to school and keep their heads up if they’re homeless.”
The KFP has served 190 more families this year than in 2010—serving 800 residents in November alone—up nearly 100 from the same time last year. Total residents served this year is outpacing 2010 by ten percent. Nearly 6,400 clients (2,350 families) have been served by KFP in 2011, and December’s numbers are not yet in, according Greenlee. The number of clients served this year represents 30 percent of Kent County’s population. The 2010 census put Kent’s population at 20,197.
Greenlee said that she can’t remember KFP being so busy since she became Program Director eight years ago.
“We thought we were busy if we had 10 people in one day,” Greenlee said. “ Volunteers would bring their knitting and sit because we were not that busy. But we’ve grown so much since 2009 and there’s no time for sitting. We now average 30 people in a day.”
She said the need is actually greater but a significant amount of men in Kent County are too prideful to seek the assistance. Greenlee also said that many are seeking assistance for the first time in their lives. “These are folks who had managed all their lives to make ends meet,” she said. “They never imagined coming here for assistance.”
Greenlee said that Kent County residents have been very generous in the Great Recession.
“Residents have been extremely kind with food donations and financial support; they’ve been amazing,” Greenlee said.
Greenlee said her greatest reward comes when people tell her they no longer need the assistance.
“They come in for many months and all of a sudden they announce that they are visiting the pantry for the last time,” Greenlee said. “They say this is their last visit because they found a new job. It’s amazing to see the weight lifted off their shoulders.”
Kent Food Pantry at High and Mill Streets in Chestertown
This year the KFP has given out 115,000 pounds of food, and the need is growing. Greenlee says donations should always be non-perishable and NOT outdated. She said goods that are expired will be disposed of.
The KFP is open from 10AM to 12 Noon on Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information on how to donate visit the Kent Food Pantry.
The KFP also needs cash donations. MASSONIART is offering all art books and cards for 50% off with the entire proceeds going to the KFP. If you need stocking stuffers or a lovely gift – stop by the gallery – you can feed a family and take home a present! Books by Michael Kahn, Greg Mort, the LaMotte Seaglass book and cards by Celia Pearson and Greg Mort.
Does the food pantry provide budgeting and other services related to developing sound shopping strategies? A portion of their client’s may be subject to “food insecurity” and rising costs because of reasons that have less to do with food prices, and more to do with other costs of living. Furthermore, people may not have access to cheaper alternatives (that W word) or may be “victim” to those grocery store gimmicks that can add $20-30 to a bill (which could be a difference maker).
To the Editor…
Doug Ashley Realtors, LLC is a drop off place for food, since the Pantry is open at limited times. Please drop your donations off at 227 1/2 High Street (Next to Paul’s Shoe Store) and we will deliver the items promptly to the food pantry. Thanks!
Does the food pantry accept garden surpluses in the summer? I often am putting tomatoes in the compost bin because we just can’t eat them fast enough. I would imagine there are others out there who would be willing to share their over abundance as well.
Also, do you accept pet food? I know for a lot of seniors a cat or dog is their only companionship and pet food has risen in price as well.
I also like the idea of providing budgeting and couponing services. Someone took the time to show me how to help reduce our food costs when I was in college. Not only did I reduce our food bill substantially, I developed a skill I still use today.
Author note:
Andy,
“For more information on how to donate visit the Kent Food Pantry”
See the link above
Ok – it works now. When I tried it the first time it didn’t.
A