ANNUAL REPORT

THE ISLAND FOOD PANTRY 2007-2008 SEASON REPORT
P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 508-693-4764

Rev. Helen Oliver inaugurated the Island Food Pantry as an outreach program of Christ United Methodist in 1981. In 27 years, it has expanded from a one-person effort to a ministry including over 50 volunteers. We are blessed to have Joanne Maxwell, a former Pantry staff member, provide our volunteers a “thank-you dinner” at her restaurant “Chesca’s” The Pantry has been supported by all the faith communities on the island, The Vineyard Committee on Hunger, by islanders, schools, businesses, summer visitors and organizations. It is a wonderful and effective effort of cooperation and caring. We receive no government food or funds.

Our income has increased 7,548 over last year totaling 51,776. We spent 41,660 on food, which is $9,361 less than last year. Seven out of the past ten years, we spent more than we have received. Our Memorial Fund covered the shortages. These funds were given in memory of, Kevin Kennedy, Daniel Alisio and Sayan Kasem. This year, the Memorial Fund has been formally named “The Island Food Pantry Endowment.” Our goal is to maintain the original gift and use the growth in the endowment for income shortages or special projects as we did in making our entryway handicapped accessible. Hopefully, others will include the Island Food Pantry in their will so we might meet future difficult periods for our island neighbors.

In our efforts to communicate to both English and Portuguese speaking friends, we maintain a web site: www.islandfoodpantry.org

Visits to the Pantry have decreased this year from 1776 to 1686 visits. We assisted 360 families representing at least 705 people on the Vineyard including at least 130 children. In addition, Granola bars were provided to the elementary schools for breakfast supplements.

Of the 360families, 130 came only once or twice (last year 145) and 140 came 6 or more times (last year 137). Last year 241 said they were unemployed; this year 170 were without employment. 114 gave no answer regarding employment. Last year we averaged 67 visits a week; this year we averaged 65 visits a week.

Persons can come to the Pantry once every two weeks on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 2-4 P.M. from mid October to mid April. Emergencies are responded to throughout the year when people call the Pantry number.

The Pantry has no paid staff. All gifts provide food for the island community. A contribution is made to the Church to help with the cost of heat, light and garbage removal. We have an advisory board and our books are audited each year. For the wonderful cooperation of the Church and the community, I am sincerely thankful. Best of all, our volunteers have worked hard and kept a positive attitude. I am grateful to be a part of such a caring community.

Armen Hanjian, Coordinator
April 30, 2008