With the beginning of summer and you’re starting to clear out your freezer of last year’s catch, think of us. Those of us at the Homer Community Food Pantry look forward to receiving salmon and halibut from last year, fresh vegetables from your garden and household items and clothes left over from garage sales.  We have such generous friends and neighbors in Homer.

Two churches have mentioned that they plan to grow a garden for us: Homer United Methodist Church and St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. When the Saturday Farmers Market gets rolling with fresh veggies at the end of June, please remember us as you wander the booths, you can drop off veggies in our donation tub by the eating area.

It’s also the time of year that the letter carriers collect food for our community. This year, they collected more than 400 pounds this year. Thank you to all who participated.

Through the generosity of the Jane Little Fund, a donor advised fund of the Homer Foundation, we were able to purchase much needed food items. We have had to purchase more dry and canned food goods than any time in our 24-year history.  We are most grateful for their contribution and continued support. 

Are you over 60? Have you heard about the federally funded CSFP, (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)?  It is distributed monthly by the Pantry and provides up to 30 pounds of food to qualifying seniors who meet income guidelines. We currently have a monthly average of 47 clients who receive more than $600 in food assistance over a year’s time. A monthly box includes canned meat, canned vegetables and fruit, cheese, milk, cereal, peanut butter and beans or pasta or rice. If you know anyone who is a senior in need, please tell them about it.

We are thankful to be a part of a community where so much effort is made to help each other in times of need.  It’s a beautiful thing. Don’t forget, we are on Facebook.  Look for us under:  “Homer Food Pantry”  We’re trying for 500 “likes.”

Diana Jeska 

and the  Homer Community Food Pantry Board