The holiday season often brings with it a renewed sense of giving, which Cache Community Food Pantry Director Matt Whitaker hopes will encourage additional donations of holiday foods this month.
“When December rolls around, we see more people start getting into the giving spirit,” Whitaker said. “It’s their willingness to give that keeps us going.”
Whitaker said the pantry expects to provide full holiday meals for around 350 families in need this month. To meet their goals, Whitaker said the pantry is actively seeking foods normally seen at large Christmas dinners, particularly ham and turkey.
“If Thanksgiving was any indication, we could always use more of the main course,” Whitaker said. “We’ll have a lot of families to provide for this year, and we want to make sure everyone gets what they need.”
In addition to the main course, Whitaker said the pantry is also looking for sides like dinner rolls and potatoes, as well as ingredients for baked goods.
“Cooking oil, sugar, flour and even chocolate chips are good ideas that not everyone thinks about,” Whitaker said. “They’re also regular staples that the pantry needs throughout the year.”
Whitaker said the food pantry sees a significant upswing in donations during the winter months, generally providing a store of items leading into the spring, when the annual food drive organized by the Boy Scouts of America helps replenish the pantry’s stores.
“We’re always grateful for regular donations no matter when people decide they can help,” Whitaker said. “Luckily, we have a lot of people willing to help for anything to do with Christmas dinner.”
Whitaker said people can donate by bringing food items directly to their location at 359 S. Main St. in Logan during their regular business hours, or they can contribute a cash donation online at http://ift.tt/2hp3MUS. They can also set up monthly contributions to the pantry through recurring charges.
“We’re always happy to accept both food and cash, whatever is easier for the donator,” Whitaker said. “The food itself can be distributed to families who need it, and the money is flexible so we can maintain our location and still work to improve the pantry however we need.”
Whitaker said the pantry is grateful to anyone who is able to donate or volunteer their time to help the pantry.
“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the community’s support,” he said.
