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Rappahannock Food Pantry Update July 8, 2010

July 12th, 2010
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Are we blue?  Kinda.  The Rappahannock Food Pantry must move from its cozy quarters on Mt. Salem Avenue in Washington by late summer. So we’re looking for new space. We’d like to locate somewhere central in Rappahannock, so that no one has to travel too far to use the Pantry, to volunteer, or to donate food.

A place near the town of Washington would be ideal.  We need at least as much space as we have now – but a little more would really help.   Ample parking is critical – at least 8 parking spaces.  Kitchen facilities would be great.  A bathroom’s a necessity.   And windows!  Mimi wants windows!  If you have a suggestion about where the Pantry could move, please email Hal Hunter at hal@rappahannock.com or call him at 937-4744.

BlueberriesWe’re also blue (but in a good way) because of the blueberry bonanza that came our way in June.  Jeannie Wall contacted us to say that her blueberry bushes were full of berries that volunteers could pick for the Pantry.   Despite the heat and humidity, several folks headed to Jeanne’s for the Great Blueberry Harvest of 2010.   Pantry recipients picked for themselves, and brought some back for others.  Sounds like the pickers had a great time, too.  At last count, the Pantry took in 64 lbs of blueberries!

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods – full of antioxidants.   And we’re starting to focus on better nutrition at the Pantry.  Healthy eating coach Cheryl Mirabella came by the Pantry last month with some really tasty nibbles: kale and white bean stew, a cold bean salad, and grilled zucchini.  Everyone raved about the food – including kids!  Her recipes used foods often available at the Pantry and currently in season.

Cheryl also visited the Free Clinic with a sampling of healthful food.  Cheryl brought Mediterranean quinoa, creamy cucumber soup and polenta & vegetable bake to the Pantry today, Thursday, July 8.   It’s amazing how delicious healthful food can be.  Cheryl will be meeting with interested Pantry users to help them improve their diets.  Joining her will be registered dietician Kay Stewart.  We’re incredibly lucky to have Cheryl and Kay offer their nutritional expertise to the Pantry.

We’re also lucky to have such generous folks in Rappahannock.  Sunnyside Farms is amazing! In June Sunnyside donated 1,058 lbs of vegetables, including lettuce, greens, squash, cucumbers, and beets.  Trinity Episcopal brought in 464 lbs of canned and boxed goods.  Various folks contributed a total of 130 dozen eggs.   A local farmer (who prefers to remain anonymous) donated 200 lbs of beef, her second large meat donation.  Catholic Charities of the Arlington Diocese brought the Pantry 10 dozen eggs, 10 qts of milk, and 327 lbs of canned and boxed goods.

The Pantry could use more volunteers, preferably those who can come regularly – every week or every other week.  Call Kathy Eggers at 987-7208 to volunteer.  Sure would be nice if we could clone volunteer extraordinaire Andy Platt!

Updates

Rappahannock Food Pantry Update June 3, 2010

June 5th, 2010
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The Pantry is a year old! During its first year, the Rappahannock community and others donated almost 20 tons of food and more than 3 tons of pet food, 1300 dozen eggs, and 450 gallons of milk. Plant a Row gardeners and local farmers contributed more than 5 tons of fruit and vegetables. As of the end of May, the Pantry is serving 285 households.

Stop by the Pantry Thursday, June 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 for nibbles and a glass of Trader Joe’s best (well, maybe not their best) as we celebrate the Pantry’s first birthday. The Pantry is located at 603 Mt. Salem Avenue in Washington (phone 675-1177).

April’s Food Pantry benefit at the home of John and Beverly Sullivan, plus proceeds from Betsey Apple’s book signing, netted the Pantry nearly $10,000. An additional $2,000 came in for Hoop House expenses. The Rappahannock Association for the Arts and Community’s (RAAC) one-act plays and comedy performances brought in $600. And Flint Hill Baptist Church Read more…

Updates

Happy 1st Birthday, Food Pantry!

May 24th, 2010
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Hard to believe, but the Rappahannock Food Pantry has been open a year!  Help celebrate our first birthday at an Open House at the Pantry on Thursday, June 3 from 4:00 to 6:00. The Pantry is located at 603 Mt. Salem Avenue, Washington, VA (phone 675-1177.)  Take the middle entrance to Washington from Rt. 211 – the Pantry is the second driveway on the right.  Hope to see you there!

Happy first birthday, Food Pantry!

Updates