During March, there were 210 food orders distributed which provided food for 635 West Side residents. Of the 635, 216 were children, 318 younger adults ages 20 to 59 and 101 ages 60 and older. In April, there were 225 orders given providing food for 708 persons comprised of 238 children, 378 younger adults and 92 older adults. During May, there were only 160 orders given which provided food for 452 persons of which 139 were children, 256 younger adults and 57 older adults.
The government is now requiring that all food recipients sign a statement of estimated income. From July 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011, there have been 584 “Statements of Need” signed. These 584 families are comprised of 1,468 persons including 517 children, 776 younger adults and 175 older adults. This total includes all those who are receiving food through the Al Beech/West Side Food Pantry. According to recent information, there are more than 200 Food Pantries in the Luzerne and Wyoming County area being served by the Weinberg Regional Food Bank through the Commission on Economic Opportunity! If proposed budgetary cuts are enacted, it is reported that there will be a significant reduction in available funding for food – perhaps as high as 50%!
At the May Executive Board meeting, Howard Castor, of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, completed four years of dedicated service as Board President and Barbara Walters of Dorranceton United Methodist Church completed six years of equal dedication as Treasurer. Their commitment was honored, with deep appreciation, on June 21 at an Executive Board Dutch Treat luncheon meeting. The incoming President is Jack Casey from St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church who served as Vice President with Howard. The new Treasurer is Ruth Gavenus from Forty Fort Methodist Church. Other officers are Vice President John O’Rourke, Recording Secretary Ethel Drasnin, and Corresponding Secretary Barbara Swanson. The new Treasurer along with Frank Hughes as a COCU representative were welcomed to the Board as new members.
