The Community Food Pantry at Boyertown Area Multi-Service has existed for over 35 years. It exists to supplement food assistance for those who do not currently have the financial means to meet their nutritional needs within Multi-Service’s 200+ square mile service area.
Through the years, the organization has served hundreds of households. Providing food assistance through the Multi-Service Case Management program allows Multi-Service to not only address immediate food scarcity needs, but to address the additional challenges the recipient may be experiencing, thus determining a course of action.
Providing food assistance through the Multi-Service Community Food Pantry is Michael Fisher, the new Multi-Service Food Pantry Coordinator. Fisher has over 20 years experience in the Food/Customer Service industry, with 18 years of management experience within the Retirement Living setting.
With experience in positions such as Food Service Manager, Dietary Manager, Culinary Service Manager, Dining Room Manager, and Inventory Supervisor, Multi-Service is pleased with the knowledge he brings to the organization.
With a Community Food Pantry that is open Monday – Friday, year-round except for holidays, Boyertown Area Multi-Service offers supplemental food assistance that often includes non-perishable food items, bread and bakery items, meat, produce, as well as eggs and milk when available. In the future, Fisher plans for the addition of milk, eggs and/or butter for all food assistance recipients as well as having a produce/bakery area, inviting clients to select items of their choice.
Multi-Service food assistance recipients also receive items not accessible with food stamps such as paper products, toiletries, cleaning products, personal care items, diapers, etc. Holiday meals are also made available.
As Fisher strives to continue implementing change within the Community Food Pantry, he is happy with the changes he has already brought to Multi-Service. He has created policies and procedures for the Food Pantry, keeping systems consist and uniform for not only clients, but staff and donors as well. Upon receiving all Food Pantry donations, they are now weighed prior to being processed into the Food Pantry inventory. Fisher is also working on improving various processes such as the documentation of donations, tracking volunteer hours and the meal assistance schedule.
Food Pantry client surveys will now be conducted on a regular basis in order to better serve client’s needs. Fisher is in the midst of creating a Community Food Pantry newsletter, designed to inform clients with such information as recipes, nutrition information, etc.
According to the nonprofit, Feeding America, 1 in 7 Pennsylvanians struggle with hunger. It takes more than food to fight hunger. Coming from a family who struggled out of poverty, Fisher draws on his firsthand experiences as he works with the community. The provision of food assistance goes far beyond a bag of food. Food assistance not only includes nutritious food as well as non-food items but also involves concern for each individual and family receiving assistance. Fisher looks forward to providing nutrition education and other programs to Multi-Service clients.
Fisher is also working with Karen Youse, Executive Director at Multi-Service, on a much-needed addition to the Food Pantry. The construction, starting in May 2017, will provide for additional storage for non-perishable items as well as a walk-in freezer.
With an eye on efficiency, Fisher has been instrumental in reorganizing the Food Pantry, shopping weekly in order to have staple items within the Pantry’s inventory for each food assistance recipient as well as providing more items to each household. Current and future changes are being made in order to better serve the needs of this community.
In addition to following the food guidelines of the Department of Health and Department of Aging, the Multi-Service Community Food Pantry also follows the rules and regulations of the Greater Berks Food Bank. Fisher is also ServSafe certified and pursuing a degree in Social/Case Work.
The Community Food Pantry at Boyertown Area Multi-Service has a strong history in the community. Building on the success of the past, current efforts will pave the road to the future while continuing to support those most in need.
