Community Food Pantry aims to take advantage of a fundraising opportunity in March after experiencing financial challenges last year.
Until March 29, donors can contribute anytime to the pantry at Richmond’s Meijer store by visiting the courtesy desk and making a gift through the Simply Give campaign.
However, on Saturday, March 22, Meijer Corp. double matches gifts of $10 or more, so $10 becomes $30 that day. The only limitation is a maximum of $10,000.
In April, Meijer will give the pantry food-only credit cards for the amount raised. Volunteers will use the cards to restock shelves at the pantry, 306 N. 19th St., Richmond.
In December, pantry leaders announced a potential year-end shortfall of $32,000 because of higher demand and food costs. By Feb. 17, the pantry received $46,000 to begin the year financially sound.
During 2024, volunteers served 5,142 households, which was 108 more than 2023. They provided 143,268 meals for 11,939 individuals.
The pantry is a collaborative effort of about two dozen local churches that began in 1982.
It is open from 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clients are eligible to receive food twice a month with at least 15 days between visits. The only requirement to receive food is to show a current piece of mail confirming they’re a Wayne County resident.
For more information, visit communityfoodpantry.org or call 765-962-1145.
A version of this article appeared in the March 5 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.