Our space is inadequate, but we can t wait any longer. We started with a survey of clients to determine what people eat, and don t eat in the prepackaged food box. There were several surprises. We have now implemented client choice two days a month. Volunteers and staff carry food from storage shelves to tables on the covered patio where the clients can choose food that is sorted in groups.
Larger families can choose more items.
Volunteers and staff acted as shopkeepers and stockers with the clients. Families love shopping for their food and are grateful for the opportunity to choose. Snacks and sugar cereals were universally popular. The PRC found that the staff and volunteers were much more tired at the close of food pantry than before. It s harder work, being in the mix, bringing everything up to tables, going with the unpredictable, interacting fully with the families.