Client Choice Food Pantry

February 20th, 2012 -- h.o.p.e. has adopted the Client Choice Pantry model. In the past h.o.p.e. distributed a standard food box with enough items for a family of four to prepare at least three complete meals. Now, clients are able to select the food they receive. In a client choice pantry the client has the opportunity to 'shop' similar to a small kiosk or grocery store in the pantry for the items they need. This distribution is at no cost to the client and the selection process awards clients a greater feeling of integrity when receiving food assistance.

With the wonderful support of local food donations, h.o.p.e. is able to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, breads and non-perishable items. h.o.p.e. is expanding its fundraising and outreach efforts to ensure adequate food supplies in order to meet the recent increases of families needing food.

h.o.p.e.'s objective is to supply the pantry with as much food possible, to feed as many clients as possible, avoid abuse of food being taken from the pantry, keep the pantry clean and void of spoiled products, and to manage the number of volunteers working at the pantry. New policies were written and implemented to streamline the distribution process.

A Client Notification Letter was given to our clients two weeks prior to implementation. The letter outlines the changes that they would experience: completion of an Enrollment Form and Client Food Distribution guideline details distributiions available according to the size of the family . Example of the master Food Distribution portions.

Shari (a client of the Food Pantry)

"With a very limited income and high medical expenses there are times that I just cannot afford to go to the grocery store especially near the end of the month. Many times the h.o.p.e. Pantry has made it possible for me to have nutritious meals when there was little in my house. I am grateful for this generous gift of food."