Malvern pantry stays open through storm, sees fewer families served

The Malvern Christian Care Center food pantry weathered the first major winter storm of the year, distributing food to fewer recipients Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 28-29.

“We usually serve 80-plus families in January. This month we served only 58 over the two-day period. I imagine there are going to be some hungry families before we open again in February,” said the Rev. Wally Anderson, pantry director.

The center dug out after 14 inches of snow fell Sunday, Jan. 25.

“The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank called us to cancel our regular pickup Tuesday, Jan. 27, because of the snow,” Anderson said. “The center was able to arrange its last pickup for the month Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., just two hours before distribution at 11 a.m. A crew was able to shovel out a path to meet cars that line up in front of the center, and a friend of the center plowed out the parking lot for the food delivery that morning.”

“We were able to deliver to all our shut-ins. They were all home. They were all surprised that we were still delivering this morning,” said Mike Campbell after returning from home deliveries.

Anderson said the pantry had little choice but to distribute that week because the center would have had to call every client to announce a closure and alternate pickup date.

“It was a blessing that we were able to be ready and open for those who came out in the cold,” Anderson said. “I’m sure many of those who didn’t come weren’t able to dig out their cars in time.”

In a review of the past year, the Malvern Christian Care Center served 3,020 people over 12 months, averaging 83 families per month. The center’s budget increased to $39,500, supported by more than $41,000 in donations from churches and private sources.

“This year we received our first grant from United Way of Stark County for $3,000,” Anderson said.

The center also received nearly $7,000 in in-kind donations, including goods collected by organizations, gift cards to Kishman’s IGA and venison from Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

Anderson said Ohio recently reduced its annual support for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank by 25%, making it harder for the organization to purchase food and commodity supplies for area pantries and soup kitchens.

The Malvern Christian Care Center has purchased larger quantities of some items that can be scarce in order to maintain a balanced distribution each month. The center aims to provide five days of meals, including meat, produce, fruit and dairy products. It also distributes nonperishable items on a rotating basis, including toothpaste, paper products, cleansers, plastic wrap and hygiene items.

“We are grateful for the continuing support provided by the Malvern and Brown Township community for the benefit of the poor and those whose budgets are strained when it comes to food and household goods,” Anderson said. “Those costs continue to rise, and recent cuts to SNAP benefits will only add to that need.”

Emergency food is available through the First Christian Church of Malvern. Backpack programs are offered at Malvern Elementary and Hilltop Daycare, along with free breakfast and lunch at the elementary school. People can sign up for food at the care center each month on the fourth Wednesday or by calling 330-704-4086.