At this divisive time in our national history, small-town America often shines brightly. Lots of folks in Fernley, for example, take the counsel to love their neighbor personally. Whether by making a run to the pharmacy for a sick neighbor or, in a more organized fashion, by volunteering with a local nonprofit, Fernley residents step up.
Since becoming pastor of Living Faith Christian Fellowship in 1991, Matt McCreary and his energetic wife, Regina, have followed their calling to serve others in need of assistance. Often that help included rescue from hunger. In the early days, it was not at all unusual for people to appear at the McCreary family’s doorstep a couple of times a week seeking food.
Fernley did not escape the wrath of the Great Recession. Between 2007 and 2009, businesses folded and residents lost their jobs. It was during that period that the congregation, a group of private donors and dedicated community volunteers joined forces with the McCrearys to formally launch Living Faith Food Pantry as a ministry extension of Living Faith Christian Fellowship.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Living Faith Food Pantry was able to partner with other private and governmental organizations.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which acts as a grocery clearinghouse for vendors that want to contribute food, is an active and much-appreciated partner. Its support helps provide groceries for more than 250 families that visit the pantry each week. Raley’s, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, Trader Joe’s and other area businesses also donate.
But sadly, it just isn’t enough.
As it is for all of us, expenses keep going up. Gas to fuel the group’s 2010 refrigerated truck has almost doubled. Rent is an ever-present expense. Insurance costs rise. No matter how good or necessary a charity is, it costs money to operate.
And here’s the big one: meat.
There has been little to none donated for more than a month. Many of the volunteers express concern for pantry recipients, especially the elderly, whose protein needs may be less than those of other adults but are of equal importance. Roughly 40% of those served are seniors living on very fixed incomes.
Denise Conley, a volunteer for about 10 years, spends time on Mondays putting together senior boxes. The boxes are then distributed to seniors who visit the pantry or delivered to people who are homebound because of illness or the frailty of age.
“As I understand it,” Conley said, “the original idea was to supplement the grocery costs for lower-income residents. But things have gotten so expensive. The pantry has become the only source of food available to them.”
There are no paid staff members operating Living Faith Food Pantry. The effort is, and has always been, a labor of love. About 35 volunteers keep things humming.
Pam Irick has been a leading and reliable volunteer since 2010.
“Me and most of the other volunteers are seniors ourselves,” Irick said. “A number of us are in our 80s! Unloading trucks is becoming a real challenge.”
In short, Living Faith Food Pantry needs help.
Those with time to give can consider volunteering. Those who are unable to volunteer can consider making a financial contribution. A regular monthly gift of as little as $10 from 500 Fernley residents would provide additional resources to help support the roughly 250 families served each week.
Donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax adviser for details.
Due to FDA and Health Department regulations, the pantry is unable to accept donations of meat and other perishable foods. Cash donations, however, can allow the group to partner with local stores and purchase meat products directly, potentially at a discount.
For details on how to help, email [email protected] or call 775-750-0613.
Sonia Hedrick is interested in YOU! Like to share your unusual story with our neighbors? Or do you have an interesting topic you would like to explore in Senior Sense? Send Sonia an email at: [email protected]
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