Volunteer Newsletter

July 2025

Distributing Supplemental Food For Adults, Children, & Especially Seniors, Who Lack An Adequate Supply

Safeguarding Food Safety

Through Accurate Temperature Monitoring

Accurate temperature records are vital in the food pantry to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety. Keeping refrigerators and freezers at the correct temperatures and cooking food thoroughly are essential steps for protecting consumers.

The calibrated digital thermometer and recording sheets are located in the back room on the shelf and wall closest to the white freezer. There is one corresponding recording sheet for each refrigerator and freezer. All are labeled.

The Science Behind Temperature Control

Bacteria that cause illness multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Storing cold foods below 40°F, freezing at 0°F (-18°C) or less, keeps food safe. Use of an appliance thermometer ensures the temperature is consistently 40° F or below and the freezer temperature is 0° F or below. Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing. Refrigerate within 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90° F.

We rely on our volunteer's assistance to help us maintain the safety of the food. Please check the temperature of each unit every day that your group volunteers. It is important to use the digital thermometer and not just rely on the reading displayed at the bottom of each unit. There is often a few degree discrepancy due to the units being opened and closed throughout the day.

To use the thermometer, turn on and point to the back of each unit until temperature registers. Record the reading on the units corresponding temperature monitoring sheet.

The Role of Temperature Records

Preventing Illness: Regular checks and records help spot risks and allow prompt action.
Compliance: Regulatory agencies require reliable temperature logs.
Traceability: Records track food handling in case of illness or recalls.
Consumer Trust: Accurate monitoring reassures customers about safety standards.

If refrigerators or freezers are not within a few degrees of the guidelines (refrigerators-40°F and freezers at 0°F, please contact:

Robert Thaxton: 910-614-5919

Dwayne Long: 706-835-5901

Community Garden Update for July

Thanks to everyone at the Community Garden who has worked so hard to deliver 375# of garden bounty to the Food Pantry!

Community Garden Update

The Lake Country Community Garden Clarksville July Update is here!

Volunteering at the community garden brings people together to grow fresh produce and flowers while fostering a sense of connection. It’s a fun way to dig in the dirt, share laughs, and make a positive impact on the community.

We are currently performing maintenance on plants, bug mitigation with the use of a mini vacuum, using organic pest control methods and harvesting produce.

To date we have donated 375 lbs. of vegetables to the Food Pantry.

Thanks to all our volunteers for dedicating their time for those in need.

Come join us!

Note:

Consider volunteering for the Community Garden to learn new gardening methods.

(lccgclarksville@gmail.com)

Volunteer Highlight

The Lions Club reports its stats to Lions International a little differently than what is recorded at the pantry. On Wednesday, July 2nd, 124 individuals were served. On Saturday, July 5th, 120 individuals were served.

Always Happy to Serve

Volunteers from the Clarksville Lions Club were in high spirits volunteering the week of July 4th. Freedom, service, country and community is always behind the commitment the Lions have....We Serve!

Thank You Clarksville Lions Club!

Send us pics from your groups service to include in our volunteer section!

2025 Pantry Schedule

July 23rd & July 26th: Clarksville Presbyterian Church

July 30th & August 2nd: Union Chapel Baptist Church

August 6th & August 9th: Clarksville Baptist Church

August 13th & August 16th: House of Prayer

August 20th & August 23rd: Jamison Memorial Methodist Church

August 27th & August 30th: St. Catherine's Catholic Church

September 3rd & September 6th: Nelson Baptist Church

September 10th & September 13th: Averett Baptist Church

September 17th & September 20th: Cherry Hill Baptist Church

September 24th & September 27th: Clarksville Lions Club

October 1st & October 4th: St. Luke Baptist Church

October 8th & October 11th: St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

October 15th & October 18th: Clarksville Presbyterian Church

October 22nd & October 25th: Union Chapel Baptist Church

October 29th & November 1st Clarksville Baptist Church

November 5th & November 8th: House of Prayer

November 12th & November 15th: Jamison Memorial Methodist Church

November 19th & November 22nd: St. Catherine's Catholic Church

November 26th & November 29th: Nelson Baptist Church

Pantry Updates

Current Household Item

Lost and Found Items

Wishlist Item

Dish Detergent

One per family with their monthly box.

Beefaroni or Ravioli

Tasting for Saturday, July 26th

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

Recipe Highlights

This side dish recipe is a favorite because it’s incredibly easy to make, high in nutritional value, and very allergen-friendly. It’s vegetarian, gluten- and grain-free, and contains no nuts or eggs. It’s also amazing in terms of occasion versatility; you can serve it as part of your weeknight dinner, a holiday potluck, or even at a fun get-together with my close friends.

Ingredient Highlights:

Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable, meaning it has more carbohydrates than lean vegetables, such as broccoli.

Acorn squash is an excellent source of:

Dietary fiber: Fantastic for digestion and overall health.
Vitamin C: Helps promote immunity.
B vitamins: Support red blood cell production and metabolism.
Vitamin A: A disease-fighting protective provitamin.
Potassium: Supports heart health and function.

https://therealfooddietitians.com/herb-roasted-parmesan-acorn-squash/

Send us your favorite spring and summer salads

to use as tastings and recipe sharing!

Clarksville Food Pantry

Community Resources

Virginia Sun Bucks

If your child applied for and received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2024-2025 school year, your family is eligible to receive Virginia SUN Bucks grocery benefits automatically - NO application required! Still not sure if you’re automatically eligible? Find out more at VirginiaSunBucks.com/Apply.

Get In Touch

Clarksville Food Pantry

Clarksville Community Center

103 Woodland Drive

Clarksville, VA 23927