A poor economy and higher food prices have increased the number of families seeking assistance from the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund.
But those factors are also straining the local food pantry.
‘We’re down to about three months worth of money to stay in existence,? said OCEF Treasurer Margaret Lee. ‘I suspect this is the worst it has ever been.?
Last year at this time, OCEF was offering assistance to 75 families per month. That number has increased to 90 families and donations aren’t substantially more to make up the difference. Additionally, Lee said the price of food has gone up and what is available from Gleaners Food Bank, where OCEF purchases much of their food for the pantry, is down.
‘There is tighter competition from all the food pantries in the area for what they have,? Lee said. ‘For our last order, we asked for 20 cases of cereal for the coming summer and we got four cases.?
During the summer, OCEF tries to provide more food to families to assist with children who no longer receive free or reduced meals at school. But in order to make it through summer to fall, when there are typically more donations, OCEF is tightening up on the amount of food given to clients.
‘We’re being judicial,? Lee noted. ‘We’ve never had to turn anyone away. What we are giving right now amounts to about $56 worth of assistance per family per month. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but the families are very appreciative.?
OCEF has gone from spending about $4,000 per month to about $5,000 per month to supply families with food and Bueche gift cards at $28 each.
Lee said it is really miraculous that the donations keep coming in and she is hoping they continue as the need keeps growing.
Lee also asks gardeners to consider planting a row or picking a row of produce to donate to OCEF this season.
We get produce from the Whole Foods Market once a week and get outdated produce, but it’s variable,? she said. ‘If we had donations of fresh produce, it would be very much appreciated.?
Donations of non-perishable food items are also sought and include boxed cereal, canned pasta, tuna fish, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Laundry detergent and personal hygiene items are needed, too. Items can be dropped off at St. Anne Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road or call 248-627-3965.