NC Food Share hosts coffee

By John Miller, 03/13/23 11:33 AM

PRESCOTT – Sometimes people just need a helping hand.

The Nevada County Food Share and Clothing Ministry are there for when people fall on hard times. The organization hosted a community coffee Monday morning, sponsored by the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, to let people know about the services offered.

First and foremost, the food share does not exist to provide people with their groceries for the month – it couldn’t afford to. It serves 90-175 households a month, providing food and personal items for its clientele. People can come once every 30 days and choose what they want as this is a client choice pantry. Most pantries aren’t and simply hand out boxes of supplies to those in need. In addition to canned goods, people can get one meat item. However, the meat item can be something like salmon or tuna. Hunters provide deer meat, which supplements what the pantry can offer, according to director Lashell Hamilton. the pantry is open from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

The pantry is income-based and those coming for assistance must provide proof of income. It receives both commodities and non-commodities.

On the other side of the building, clothing needs are met. The clothing ministry accepts clothes, children’s and adults, household goods, furniture and appliances – in good working order. It also accepts unused personal items and operates strictly by donation. The clothing ministry is not income-based and anyone can come in and browse through the racks, taking what they need as there’s no cost, but there are limits.

With the change of seasons comes a change of items available. Right now, the ministry is gearing up for spring and summer, moving the winter clothing into storage while putting the warm-weather items on display.

The clothing ministry is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with a donation bin on the side of the building.

Hamilton pointed out the food pantry has guidelines it must meet, which is why people can only come once every 30 days. The pantry has upgraded and gone electronic, making it tied in with the Hamilton-Blakely Senior Center, which also receives commodities. By going electronic, the pantry and senior center can make  sure people aren’t “double-dipping” and getting things from both locations. “We’re good stewards of our money,” she said, “and we love grants.” By obtaining grants, the pantry was able to purchase four new freezers and two refrigerators.

While grants and federal commodities help, the pantry also relies heavily on donations from the  public either as cash or canned goods. With canned goods, though, they can’t be expired or they will be thrown out. Those donating cash will get a receipt as the pantry is a 501(c)3 organization, meaning donations are tax deductible.

One thing the pantry and ministry both need at this time is volunteers. The majority of the current volunteers are senior citizens, and there are time when “young blood” is needed, especially when the commodity truck arrives. This would be a perfect way for high school students to earn the community service hours required for graduation.