One of the outstanding ongoing charity operations in Meeker is our local Food Pantry, open to anyone in need. For those short of funds, in-between jobs, or otherwise struggling, it is a place to relieve food insecurity.
This is a resource open to anyone living in or driving through our community. Located at the Meeker United Methodist Church, 809 Park Ave., the food bank is staffed by faithful volunteers from the church. To access food, contact the church 970-878-5904 and someone will meet you to assist.
You may know that the Food Bank of the Rockies comes to Meeker once a month, but it is completely separate from the Meeker Food Pantry. The pantry is for Meeker from Meeker and a very gracious, thoughtful operation. Recipients are screened with respectful queries then sent off with a prayer and box of much needed food.
Donations come from ranchers/hunters with extra game, individuals, and local organizations. Gift cards are welcome along with cash to purchase meat. Big-hearted folks quietly donate to this good cause and keep the pantry stocked year-round.
The pantry was started in 1986 and initially operated by Emma Lou Frisby whose husband, Dale, built shelves in the church basement to store food items. She asked folks what they needed then assembled a box based on their preferences. Emma Lou recalls travelers who were struggling with little to nothing and even gave one family pots and pans from her home.
Later, Vicky Johnson prayed about it and became the new food bank lady. Likewise, she served everyone in need with army blankets, vouchers, and food. My sense is that Vicky and all these good folks enjoy their role of giving to others. Vicky says she sent off the needy with a prayer and feels the vast majority were good-hearted people down on their luck.
Lest you think that is an old-fashioned story, food needs continue today. Ellene Meece tells of recently boxing up snack foods for a traveling family that was so hungry they devoured many of the health bars right in the church parking lot. It breaks my heart to realize that essential food needs are as great today as they were more than 30 years ago.
New signs have been ordered by the church to help spread information about the Pantry. If you are aware of someone in need, please let them know about this free resource.
A host of folks have provided support to this good cause including current director, Cindy Nelson, Peggy Strate, Emma Lou Frisby, Vicky Johnson, Karen Curry, Trish Hallebach, Ellene Meece, Lonnie White and many other volunteers. Everyone I interviewed commented that 99% of the recipients are indeed needy and extremely grateful.
If you wish to donate, please keep these guidelines in mind:
The current wish list includes:
• toilet paper, paper towels, canned fruit, cereal, cereal bars, boxed meals.
• Monetary gifts to purchase meat
• Food vouchers for fresh produce
• Granola or protein bars, small jars of peanut butter/jelly, granola snack packs, crackers, canned fruit with pop off lids.
Observe “use by dates” and leave old stuff as it must be tossed.
Nothing perishable.
No more rice or beans are needed right now.
P.S. Thanks to all I interviewed and I wish I had space for all of your heart-warming stories. With grateful thanks to all who support the pantry and the many caring volunteers who staff it. God bless.
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
