Operations ManagerSally Church
Barely touching the bottom, the Watford Crystal Ball in Times Square officially rings in the nation’s first celebration of 2022, filling everyone with the hope and possibility of a new beginning when it all begins.
As we move beyond the confines of the pandemic, food banks everywhere have gone from Covid chaos to crisis. We are simultaneously facing unexpected terminations of federal relief efforts, ongoing supply shortages, shipping delays, rising food and fuel prices, dwindling food relief and donation resources, and an increasing number of families seeking our help. We worry about running out of protein, milk and eggs with every distribution. Like the people we help, our cupboards are empty, and as food and fuel costs mount, the money we donate through our 2021 matching fund campaign won’t get us through the year.
Once again, this amazing community is our lifeline. A few regular dedicated donors, the City of Blaine, social organizations and a golf tournament run on our behalf by the Good Boys and Goof Offers helped us through. thank you all.
Our volunteers are really great. This is their third winter working outdoors with little to no cover. They serve others and endure rain, snow, wind and heat. In 2022, our workers collected and distributed 1.4 million pounds of food, served 12,000 families or 33,000 individuals, made 1,300 home deliveries and provided weekend meals to 2,100 schoolchildren. Our volunteers face hunger every day. Their dedication and commitment are unmatched and, in my opinion, true heroes.
We are very much looking forward to 2023. The new distribution center will break ground in the spring thanks to Northwood Chapel’s generous donation of land for a green space, an anonymous donor who funded 75% of the project, and the perseverance and expertise of our volunteers. Liman. We had hoped to be indoors this winter and could have started construction in November, but that would have us outside without any shelter during the winter. The tent has served us for three years, but we are very eager to welcome people into our new indoor market.
We will enter the new year with renewed hope for a better life for everyone and a determination to continue our focused and unwavering efforts to transform hunger and fill hope for struggling individuals and families.
