All Saints - Immaculate Conception - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - St. John XXIII -

St. Joseph - St. Jude - St. Ludmila - St. Matthew -

St. Patrick - St. Pius X - St. Wenceslaus

JUST THIS WEEK:

138 Families - 514 People Served - 98 Homeless Bags

MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

FOR PANTRY, OFFICE, AND DISTRIBUTION SHIFTS. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE OR EMAIL US IF YOU CAN HELP OUT. ONLY TWO HOURS OF YOUR MONTH OR WEEK MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR THOSE IN NEED

Dean checks out a big donation from Quaker

Chris prepares to shelve some of the new stock

Jacqueline checking expiration dates before shelving new items

Mary just divided up a big tomato donation

Amy and Dean problem solving on logistical issues

Ann packaging personal care items

Some Interesting Numbers

When our food pantry opened eleven short years ago with a small budget, we were supported mainly by parishioners' donations. We also had a small amount of clients in those days.

Fast forward to the past three years, as our budget, donations and our client base and their needs have grown exponentially.

For those of you who like numbers:

In 2020-2021, we spent $19,115 on food, and distributed 3,106 boxes of food to 10,186 people.

In 2021-2022, we jumped 60%, spending $48,263 for food, and distributed 5,054 boxes to 16,880 people.

2022-2023 saw another 61% increase. $123,927 was spent on food and 8,044 boxes were distributed to 24,860 people.

Clients and client need have risen dramatically, at the same time that donations have decreased and prices have increased.

Thanks to all our wonderful donors and parishes for your constant support!

URGENT PANTRY NEEDS

Kid Friendly Food Items (for school bags)

Tuna/Hamburger Helper

Canned or Packets of Tuna

Canned Soup

SpaghettiOs

Peanut Butter

Pork and Beans

Potatoes (boxed or fresh)

Macaroni and Cheese

Pasta

Jelly, Syrup

Gallon Size ZipLock Bags

Plastic Grocery Bags

URGENT PERSONAL CARE NEEDS

Toilet Paper

Tampons

Laundry Pods

Deodorant

Shampoo, Conditioner

Soap

Body Wash

Aspirin, Ibuprofen

Wet Wipes

HOMELESS SUPPLIES

NEEDED

Razors

Can Openers

Condiment Packets

Mens/Womens Socks

Underwear

Tuna/Chicken Packets

Granola Bars

Napkins

Pudding Cups

Blankets

Clean Clothing

Gently Used Shoes

Personal Care Supplies

We generally don't purchase toiletry items, but rely on donations. This week's bags, included in each food box, were looking rather meager.

Our toilet paper comes at the first of the month in bulk from a business that wishes to remain anonymous. But by the end of the month we are OUT.

Please check our Personal Care list above for ideas OR click on our Amazon button at the top, if you would like to add to our inventory.

Thank you for all you do to help those who need it the most!

Are you looking for something FUN to do? Call us to help out with a short (two-hour) pantry, distribution, garden, or office shift!

THANKS TO ALL OUR FAITHFUL VOLUNTEERS --

YOU MAKE METRO CATHOLIC OUTREACH A SUCCESS!!

Harvesting Pole Beans

Last Friday's Harvest

Harvesting Fall Raspberries

Green Prairie Garden News

-Christine Kirpes, Garden Coordinator

Helping Our Neighbors Access HEALTHY Food

It's been another busy garden week as we reach peak production. We had our regular volunteers last Friday, plus St. Joseph School Staff (see photos above). The next morning St. Ludmila's Young Adults (lower photos) came out for a couple of hours and got us even more caught up & worked ahead. Thanks so much everyone-regular volunteers, school staff, and young adults!

This is our TENTH SEASON gardening for our pantry at Prairiewoods! We can't help but reflect on that when we see young adults who've grown up in our parishes volunteer again as adults. We are so appreciative of the continued support of all organizations and individuals in our pantry community over the years!

We are SO thankful for Gabe, Jazz, & Rita, our three Green Iowans (funded by Prairiewoods) who've worked alongside us in our garden this summer. They are done now & we are searching for more help until this season ends. Yes, watering is a chore in this heat but we have no choice if we want our veggies to mature.

We can use more help! You do not need to be a gardener to help mow, water, etc. We'll teach you what to do while having fun with others in our garden.

YOU or YOUR SERVICE GROUP can help grow food for the hungry!

Contact me for more information or to set up a service session: [email protected]