BY SARAH STEPHENS, OWNER/EDITOR EAN
For the 9th year, the Elmore County Food Pantry will host ‘A Taste of Elmore County’ at the Wetumpka Civic Center this year on Jan. 27. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
This is your opportunity to come out and enjoy a buffet-style experience and sample a multitude of dishes from Elmore County’s restaurants.
The annual Taste of Elmore County is a buffet-style tasting event will offer samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and more from some of the county’s favorite food service businesses.
What is the Elmore County Food Pantry?
From their website: The Elmore County Food Pantry was established in 2008 as a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger among Elmore County’s residents. A comprehensive hunger study by Feeding America reports that in 2012, 18 percent of Alabama’s population was food insecure or living in households that experienced food insecurity. The latest published report by the US. Census Bureau indicated that 13.4 percent of Elmore County’s population (10,950) live below the poverty level.
Since 2010 the Food Pantry has distributed over 1.3 million pounds of free food to many of Elmore County’s families. Currently the ECFP assists more than 500 families per month. Although the ECFP does not apply for grants, the vast majority of its operating revenue is generated by donations from individuals, local businesses, school, churches and civic organizations.
Seniors make up the largest group receiving assistance from the Food Pantry. For many seniors on a fixed income, making ends meet often involves making choices between purchasing food or medicine and sometimes even shelter. The second largest group is comprised of children. A comprehensive screening process is used to qualify applicants.
“We primarily operate on the generosity of our community businesses, churches, schools, and individuals who support us through financial donations. Other than our director, all aspects of the pantry operation (office, stockroom, drivers, counselors, baggers, loaders, computers, etc) are conducted by an incredible group of faithful volunteers.
We welcome new volunteers any time! We accept financial donations at PO Box 384 Wetumpka, AL 36092 or/and all food donations at our pantry location at 515 Boundary Street in Wetumpka.
We distribute food at no cost to individuals and families in need who qualify for assistance. We accept new applications on Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday each week 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.. Please call our office and one of our volunteers will be happy to speak with you about the paperwork you need in order to apply.” – From their Facebook Page under Elmore County Food Pantry.
The Food Pantry is located at 515 W. Boundary Street in Wetumpka. For more information, contact them at 567-3232 or email them at elmorecountyfoodpantry@gmail.com.
