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To the Editor:
Thank you for providing this forum to express appreciation to the Juniata County Community.
The Juniata County Food Pantry's 14th annual Summer Backpack Program concluded on August 22, with 202 registered students, a number not recorded since 2017. We shared more than 8,200 lunches during 402 visits to the food pantry. 144 backpacks, filled with school supplies, were distributed. 92 participants came to our facility all three summer months.
MORE is the word that comes to mind when pondering this year's program. We served MORE students, with MORE financial support, and MORE school supplies and food donations from this community than ever before! We were able to provide MORE of everything for our students! This greatly enhanced our distribution.
The goal of the Juniata County Food Pantry is to end hunger in our community. Food insecurity affects nearly 1.7 million people across Pennsylvania due to high grocery costs (33% increase between 2019 and 2026), inflation, and recent cuts to federal nutrition programs. This affects 1 in 5 children. (*Feeding America) With the support of many generous donors, our Summer Backpack Program thrives to meet the food pantry's goal for students having completed grades K-8. In the famous words of Mother Teresa: "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." This mindset seems to resonate with the citizens of Juniata County.
The Summer Backpack Program is fully funded locally. This was the first year that the Backpack Program was able to sustain itself financially, without relying on the food pantry's funds. This is an amazing accomplishment, credited completely to the generosity of the Juniata County Community.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the following donors, as well as MANY anonymous donors:
Dr. William Crim, DDS, Rafael & Jill Perez, Robert & Janet Danner, Karen Barnes, Nancy & Michael Rolain, Janice Darrow, David & Jane Shearer, Tillie Geedey, Deanna Cisney, Maria McNaight, Carol Love, Sue & Bob Lukens, Hayes & Barbara Eckard, Eileen Linn, Brenda Clark, Glenn & Mary Grimm, Deb Palm, Doug & Cathy Shellenberger, Tom & Marge Noerr, Janice & Michael Coldren, and James & Sherri Landis.
Westminster United Presbyterian Church Sunday School, Knights of Columbus (St. Jude Thaddeus Parish), Messiah Lutheran Church, WELCA of Messiah, Westminster United Presbyterian Church, East Salem Community Church, S.H.A.R.E. Committee of Pine Grove and McAlisterville United Methodist Churches, Salem United Methodist Church, Matamoras United Methodist Church, Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church and their Vacation Bible
School, McAlisterville United Methodist Church, Upper Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, United Methodist Women of St. John's Church, Church of the Open Door, River Church of Juniata County, and Mexico Full Gospel Church.
4-H Teen Council, Weis Markets of Mifflintown, Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware, Geisinger Health System, and Shelter Services of Mifflin & Juniata Counties.
Sharp Shopper and Aldi Grocery Stores (great customer service and discount prices)
This program requires many volunteers to successfully implement the process. Deep appreciation is extended to this year's volunteers: Barb Geedey, Jody Satzler, Janet Lake, Michelle Parks, Linda Leister, Kayanna Kristula, Emma Mattern, Deb Heisey, Kit Parks, Rachel Dowling, Deb Goshorn, Fran Book, and Jack Johnson. Whether you worked one shift or many, you are valued!
The most dedicated of all volunteers is Sue Lukens whose gifts of organization and preparation are only equaled by her love of children. Her enthusiasm and joy of service are remarkable!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's Summer Backpack Program! A community that cares for its citizens must be recognized! Working together, we are His hands and feet.
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world!" (Louis Armstrong)
Sincerely,
Patricia E. Brown,
Treasurer & Summer Backpack Program Coordinator
Juniata County Food Pantry