COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – While much of the publicity for the Branch Area Food Pantry comes during the holidays for the Feeding Branch County food distribution at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the pantry remains busy all year long feeding the hungry in the area.
1,146 special holiday meal boxes were handed out for Thanksgiving last year, with another 1,123 boxes at Christmas.
Outside of the holiday period, 7,725 boxes filled with food were given out by the food pantry through the year, with 15,723 individuals served. Clients are able to get one food box every two months.
Over 137,000 pounds of food, or over 68 tons, was donated to the food pantry in 2016, with over 11,000 volunteer hours logged.
The Branch Area Food Pantry will hold an open house Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon for tours and to show prospective volunteers the opportunities that are available at the pantry.
