Dear Editor,
I read with interest your article last week, 4-23-24, on the Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) and other service groups plan to establish a mobile food pantry for Osage County. Providing food to people with food insecurity in the community is a worthy cause, however, it is hardly a new idea or plan.
The Good Shepard Food Pantry in Linn, was established over 25 years ago and has been serving Osage County residents on a monthly basis ever since. The clients can come once a month when pantry is open to receive food. Through the generosity of many in the community, the pantry has been able to give out food continually and stay well stocked since its opening. If clients are unable to come to the pantry during operating hours, they may sign a proxy form, which would enable a designated person to pick up their food and bring food directly to their home. The only actual trip the client would have to make is first initial visit in which the client would supply information required by the government to verify family members. The pantry is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 11:15 a.m., and can be reached or message left at 573-897-0525. When families come to GS, they receive the amount of food based on the size of the household, and GS tries, if possible to accommodate special dietary needs. CMCA could possibly get all the info and give to GS to register family, get proxy signed and they would be able to get food. With summer soon here, this is a way CMCA could be sure families have food while children are out of school.
Reading the article further, it is mentioned about the lack of transportation as a reason people are unable to get the food they need. Providing the transportation could be the answer, but instead of having a costly mobile unit, maybe try another approach. Adapt your grant or resources to buy a truck or van, hire a driver, who could pick up the people who need it and bring them to GS to register. Once that’s done, the driver could come and pick up for them. CMCA could notify pantry what day he would be coming and who he would be picking up for, so pantry volunteers know and can get food boxes ready as he waits his turn in line. A one day weekly or monthly delivery schedule could be set up in the community, with CMCA being the contact for them to notify if they need food. This same CMCA driver could take people to doctor visits, or bring supplies to homebound. If possible have another CMCA person available to call or help explain the new health and eligibility requirements now with Medicare and Medicaid or do a welfare call or check on those homebound or living alone. There are several ways CMCA and others can help in communities that would be wonderful, besides with mobile food unit.
CMCA and GS have been there to help many families who are in need of different types of services, and I think they should both be acknowledged for the good they do. Because of our parish and the generosity of its members, I have had the privilege to work with both of them on multiple occasions over the past 20 years assisting families going through some very rough times. I very much appreciate the excellent job they both do.
Sincerely,
Joani Backes, Chairperson
Osage County Needs Committee
Immaculate Conception Parish
Loose Creek
