Summer 2022 Update
Greetings Volunteers, Supporters, and Friends! Hoping everyone is enjoying summer in Central PA. The EFP shares a summer update of client trends, operations, events, and current needs.
Our Mission Statement
“The Ecumenical Food Pantry supports those in the greater Harrisburg area who are experiencing food insecurity, primarily through the provision of emergency food assistance.”
Client Trends
Recently the EFP is observing a skyrocketing need for food assistance. In June 2022, we saw a three fold increase over the same month in 2021! There are a variety of reasons impacting this significant increase; inadequate SNAP benefits, suspension of the expanded child care tax credits that were included in the American Rescue Plan, and the overall increased cost of healthy food options. Children under 17 continue to be the largest group we serve with approximately 45% of the total people served. We continue to monitor the issues impacting the need for food assistance. Clients and case managers continue to share positive feedback on the kindness and compassion the EFP volunteers exhibit in addition to the wide array of healthy food choices offered.
Operations
The EFP continues to be active in enhancing operations. Examples include;
-Two new 40 cubic ft. cold storage units
-Non English Language Resources
-Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
-Accommodating clients without cars with strong and sizeable reusable cloth bags
-Homeless Client food options
-Halal meat choices
-Increased summer produce offerings obtained from our partners.
Events
The Second Annual EFP Harvest Open Golf Tournament was held on May 16 at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course and was a great success! The event drew 136 golfers and dozens of sponsors and donors, which made this the largest single fundraising event held for the EFP. This popular event is scheduled again for May 22, 2023.
The EFP will be participating and volunteering at the annual Blueberry Festival held at Mt. Airy Orchards in Dillsburg. The event will be July 16, 7am-11am. The EFP is the designated beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from event. Please try and support this event. Details and link below to assist.
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Pancake Breakfast (served until 11am, make your reservation in advance)
$9.99/breakfast (20% is being donated to Food Pantry)
Summer Fun Admission Area: $7.99 General Admission or $9.99 Enhanced Admission
Blueberry Festival Events:
- Pancake Breakfast (3 blueberry or plain pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, fruit, and a large coffee or juice), 7am-11am, Purchase Tickets Here
- Craft Show with over 60 local artisans, 7am-1pm
- Live Music, JazzMe Band, 9:30am-12:30pm
- Pick-Your-Own Berries, 7am-6pm
- Summer Fun Admission Area, 8:30am-6pm
Our supporter and partner, Friends of Midtown, is having their Summer Movie Series held outdoors in the parking lot next to the Midtown Cinema. Please see the information on dates/titles via the link provided below. There is an opportunity to donate personal hygiene or non-perishable items to the EFP at the events. We thank the Friends of Midtown for their fantastic support!
Harrisburg’s Friends of Midtown to host free Outdoor Film …
Celebrate 50 Years with Your Donation of $50
This summer marks 50 years of service by the Ecumenical Food Pantry to the greater Harrisburg community! Help us celebrate by participating in our “50 for 50” Campaign by donating a dollar for each of the EFP’s 50 years of service. You are welcome to make your donation in honor or memory of a current or former volunteer, if you wish.
Please use the attached Donation Form. Donations may also be made on our website at www.efoodpantry.org Please indicate that the donation is designated for the 50th Anniversary and indicate if you would like to make it in honor or memory of someone.
We will be celebrating the EFP’s 50th anniversary on September 17, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church. Please join us for an afternoon of food, games and music as we honor our many volunteers and donors, as well as the vibrant community we serve. On Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 10:45 a.m., the worship service of Messiah Lutheran will include special recognition of the Ecumenical Food Pantry ministry as well.
EFP Needs
As mentioned, the EFP continues to see skyrocketing demand. Financial donations go a long way in helping the EFP meet the demand. We fortunately have access to purchase food from sources who offer great discounts so each dollar donated goes much further than if we were to go directly to grocery store. Although we have access to those wholesale type discounts, the prices are rising quickly.
To supplement our healthy food options and choices, we attempt to offer personal hygiene items to our clients. Donations of toiletries are very welcome.
The EFP also needs volunteers for a variety of roles. We encourage all who are able to sign up for opportunities. In addition, we need assistance finding new volunteers. Please pass the word to friends and neighbors who could be interested. Questions can be directed to the EFP.
Thank You
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:
What are you doing for others?
-Martin Luther King, Jr
The EFP would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers, donors, supporters, community partners, and board members for the efforts to battle food insecurity. Our future depends on the collaboration of all in serving those in need. From all of us at the EFP we are very grateful and thankful for all the generous support!
Thank You!
With much gratitude and best wishes,
Phil Mackey
EFP Board Chair
