On September 23, Matt Talbot opened the Fresh Choice Pantry. It is located in our former one-stall garage which was converted over the summer into an on-site pantry by removing the garage door, building a storefront, drywalling, and installing heating and air conditioning. Designed to look like a small grocery store, the pantry promotes dignity and autonomy by inviting guests to choose food items that best meet their family’s needs, including refrigerated items like meat, dairy, eggs, and produce. The pantry is open on Mondays (1 pm - 4 pm), Wednesdays (1 pm - 3 pm), and Fridays (1 pm - 3 pm). Guests sign up for a time to visit the pantry during lunch and can "shop" once a month (all food is provided at no cost to the guest). If emergency food is needed outside of pantry hours, we can provide a prepackaged bag of groceries.
The Fresh Choice Pantry is stocked with USDA food and items that have been donated. Volunteers play a crucial role in operating the pantry and assisting guests. If you'd like to volunteer or have questions, please contact Victoria at 402-817-0623 or [email protected].
Donors are welcome to come anytime between 8:30am and 6:30pm when the Matt Talbot building is open. Donors can either come in through the front door and get directions from the receptionist, or they can ring the doorbell on the back door to the kitchen and get directions from the kitchen staff. For larger donations, please call ahead of time so we can make sure an appropriate amount of space is ready for the donation.
ProducePedia
ProducePedia is a free resource that covers the types of fresh produce that can be delivered to food pantries. Each entry includes information on color, taste, and possible uses. People unfamiliar with the vegetable or fruit will learn how to use it, and those who are familiar with it still might learn a fun fact or two!
The Cooperative Extension sites have a wealth of information for any backyard gardener. Once you go to the site (each one if very different from the others) look for a link for “homes and gardens”, “landscape”, “consumer horticulture”, etc. to find information on improving your backyard garden. Neighboring state sites may offer information your own state’s site lacks.
