Charlotte L. Blackmer wrote:

> Nancy Young > wrote:
>> Charlotte L. Blackmer wrote:
>>
>>> If I see something that is "coming up", I'll try to use it fast,
>>> whether for myself or the soup kitchen.
>>
>> You're involved with a soup kitchen? I have a question for you,
>> if you don't mind.
>>
>> Is it better to give money rather than food, can they maximize
>> a dollar better than most individuals? I've often wondered.
>
> Cash is always useful . My program serves once a month, we don't
> have freezer or a lot of cabinet storage, and we have a particular
> number, so unless the food comes at a particular time and is
> something we can use
> for dinner for 140/lunch for 100, it won't help us. I have working
> relationships and phone numbers on speed dial for a couple of other
> programs so I can send people their way if asked.
>
> Cash also enables programs to buy things like foil that they won't
> find at a food bank or likely be able to beg from grocers.
>
> I urge people to give cash not cans whenever possible to our Food Bank
> because their wholesale/bulk deals can turn $1 into $6-$7 worth of
> groceries - which includes fresh seasonal produce.

Something I hadn't considered. Very interesting, and thanks.

> If it's
> available to member agencies at the Food Bank, we get similar savings
> (as only one example, the produce is free to us). Our budget
> increased dramatically ($250 monthly to $400-plus) when we stopped
> being able to reliably find meat at the FB. Even when we shop at
> Costco/Grocery Outlet/Cash and Carry and use it for "flavoring",
> buying it for over 200 people costs money.

Yeah, I would guess so. And I'm sure you have more people coming
in than ever. Thanks again.

nancy