Started in 1988, our Beyond Hunger Emergency Food Pantry served thousands of individuals and families providing them with nutritious food to tide them over during a food emergency. This summer, we converted the food pantry to a Client Choice Pantry. Instead of receiving bags already packed with food, clients actually shop in the pantry and choose the foods that they want/need.
Because many individuals, including the elderly and those at or below the poverty level, are unable to maintain a healthy diet, the Food Pantry distributes a three-day supply of nutritional food to CAMBA clients as well as clients referred by churches and other agencies. Services also include review of public benefits and assistance with applications, 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.