Mission:

Food Banks were originally intended to fill the gap when households were out of food and resources due to an emergency.  Emergency situations (major disasters), are now less than half of our client load.  We also serve working poor households whose income does not stretch to cover food expenses, seasonally employed households, people waiting for SSDI, SSI and Workmen’s Compensation as well as households who are temporarily homeless.  We now have between 16,000 and 17,000 individuals a year seeking assistance from our food bank. ¨ Our new vision and purpose for this organization is to offer consumers a variety of options that will allow them to choose the most effective path to food security while offering information to raise awareness about healthy food choices.  We must also look for opportunities that will financially sustain each program, so as not to place an additional burden on community donations.

Our philosophy encompasses the spirit of practical problem solving.  The first step is not diagnosis, but an assessment of food security needs that are not currently addressed in our community.  The key points of self-concept, responsibility for one’s own actions, and individual development reflect our desire to offer food security in a way that offers dignity in choice.