In February 2012 we had 35 families ask for food
assistance. In February 2013 we had 52 families. Yesterday, February 20, 2014,
we had 62 families ask for food. That is a new record for the month of February.
Is the economy getting better? Evidently in Copperopolis it is not.
We have heard that food prices are going up this
summer, but they are jumping at an alarming rate right now. We started the
distribution day with our shelves and freezers full of food, and by the end of
the day we had given out a majority of our supply while running out of
some things completely. We anticipate doing a lot of shopping for basic items to
keep up with the requests.
On a positive note, we are glad that we are able to
help so many people. All of this is made possible by the generosity of the
people in our community who truly have a heart for helping others. There is a
non-food aspect to the pantry too: sometimes we give people a sympathetic ear or
a shoulder to cry on and a prayer when they are going through some difficulty.
We do more than just give out food.
Lorraine Crawford
