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Food pantry reports a busy year

Thu, 01/12/2017 - 1:12 pm

It’s that time of the year again; clean your closets, reorganize your pantry, break New Year’s resolutions in record time and get your Jacksboro Community Food Pantry 2016 update to the community. In 2016, food pantry saw an increase in the number of people requesting food assistance with early monthly averages around 380, and year ending average at just over 500 people per month. 

Executive Director Sheri Kettlety said there is really no way to pinpoint the exact reason for the increase, other than the economy, the price of oil and its impact on a person’s ability to put food on the table. 

“Today’s food pantries no longer operate on an emergency basis,” said Kettlety. “Most of our clients are forced to use food assistance programs as a strategy to exist without starvation. We must continue to keep our minds open and allow our heart to be moved beyond our own will.”

JCFP distributed 74,775 meals to 4,985 individuals living in Jacksboro last year. Additionally, the food pantry coordinated with the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, to bring 70,242 pounds of fresh produce via the Produce Express truck to the community. 

“It has been a transformative experience for everyone at JCFP to be a part of the collaboration of the body of Christ to unite in mind and thought to conform to His will,” Kettlety said. 

“I am humbled and honored to report, despite all the distractions and increased requests for food in 2016, JCFP average cost came in at 17 cents per meal.”

She added the cost per meal was kept low by purchasing commodities from the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, help from successful food drives hosted by the US Postal Service and the Jacksboro Lions Club, as well as purchasing food on sale in our local stores. Additionally, there are churches that donate food to JCFP on a monthly basis which is greatly appreciated and helps manage expenses. 

“As we head into our fifth year of distribution I want to say thank you to our volunteers, donors and recipients for your continued support of Jacksboro Community Food Pantry,” Kettlety said. “Through your commitment to Christ you have made a difference in someone’s life, and I believe changed the mind-set of our community relating to feeding the impoverished. All thanks be to God for your service and dedication.”

JCFP distributes food on the third Monday of each month from 2: 30-6 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Fellowship Hall. For  questions, concerns, or to donate or volunteer, please call Kettlety at 972-922-6686.