Carbon commissioners recognize area food banks

Carbon County wants to recognize the great work area food banks do for the residents in need and look at ways to bring even more food in for those who need it.

Last week, Commissioner Rocky Ahner gave a report on his meetings with Shepherd House and Second Harvest about the work the pantries are doing.

Under Shepherd House, the pantries served 1,934 people, including 536 children, during the month of January and provided a total of 17,406 meals countywide.

Under Second Harvest Food Distribution Center, Ahner reported that from July through December, 181,491 pounds of food, valued at $242,367.77, was distributed within Carbon County.

Ahner pointed out that this is all possible through Shepherd House, Second Harvest and local businesses and people who support the food pantries’ mission; as well as the 118 volunteers who make this all happen.

“It’s amazing what these volunteers do in a limited time,” Ahner said, “and all 118 volunteers should be recognized. In my opinion, they are walking around with a halo 24/7.”

Ahner also showed a senior box, a 30-pound box filled with various food items that could be brought into the county to help even more people if manpower was available.

He said that only three of the nine pantries utilize them, not because they don’t want them, but rather, they don’t have the storage for the boxes, the manpower on the days of delivery or the people to travel to pick them up during the distribution window.

“We have so many options to get food throughout the county,” Ahner said, noting that he will be setting up a meeting in the near future with St. Luke’s to discuss cooking and education programs.

If you would like to help any of the area food pantries with volunteer time, donations or possibly a truck to pick up items such as the senior boxes, contact any of the local pantries or call Shepherd House at 610-377-6048.

“They’re doing a tremendous job,” Ahner said.