1973 First established as an Emergency Food Closet by Church Women United of York County at the request of York County-Poquoson Social Services. For the first 10 years, the Food Closet was housed in the garage of one of their members, Joan Quass, who would deliver bags of groceries to Social Services when there was a need. In 1983, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church agreed to house the Food Closet under the leadership of Betty Brummer who served as Chairperson for the next 19 years From 1983-2002, clients were helped 3 times per year with 3 bags of groceries, plus a Food Lion gift card to purchase the perishables we were unable to provide. Many food items were purchased by the Food Closet to supplement donations and to keep the shelves stocked. By 2002, annual donations had risen to more than $38,000 and 540 households were assisted with 1,157 visits to the Food Closet 2002 Susan Sallwasser became the chairperson and served for the next 11 years. By 2005, income had risen to more than $50,000 per year and clients were being helped 4 times/year. 2007 611 households were helped with 2,256 client visits. Households could be assisted 6 times per year. Continued to assist York County- Poquoson Social Services in emergences, providing a small food pantry to help clients at times when the Food Closet was not open 2009 For the first time, donations were more than $100,000 for the year! Many of the groceries needed to keep the shelves stocked were purchased, with more than $46,000 being spent at various stores and another $39,000 spent to buy the Food Lion gift cards given to clients. That year, 835 households were helped with 2,696 visits. 2010 Allowable client visits were increased to 8 times per year. An additional shift was added on Mondays, from 4-6pm, to better accommodate clients with jobs. 2011 All records were broken: 998 households were assisted with 3,854 client visits. Income for the year was $107,000, with the York County Volunteer Association (Bargain Box) our largest contributor, with donations of $27,500 for the year. 75 volunteers gave over 3,200 hours to man the Food Closet. 2012 The Food Closet received assistance from 25 churches, 46 organizations and businesses, 25 school and scouting groups, as well as numerous individuals. 2013 Thanks to the generosity of St. Luke’s members, dedicated space for the Food Closet was included in the church expansion project with its own outside entrance and client waiting room. 2013 Liz Bryant became the new chairperson in July. |