SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) – For 22 years Prodisee Pantry has been meeting one of the most basic needs of Baldwin County — feeding the hungry.
“We have coolers and freezers where we store. Last year we gave out a 176 tons of locally sources fresh produce,” explained Deann Servos, Prodisee Pantry Executive Director.
Servos says while they always anticipate a swell in the summer — they’re seeing larger numbers this year. In May they helped on average 75 children a week. The first week of June that number is already up to 135.
“Just this first week of June we had a 64% increase of families with children needing assistance. So, that free breakfast and lunch during the school year — really does help a family stretch their budget. So, if you’re on the margin of making it — summer is a hard time,” said Servos.
Last year Prodisee Pantry had nearly 11,000 family visits — moving more than 1.4-Million pounds of food. With inflation and other impending factors — they expect that number to also rise — just last week they helped 17 new families in need of food.
“It’s hard when your salaries aren’t keeping up with food costs. So, if you are working and are paycheck to paycheck and had a small rainy day fund — you used that up during the last couple of disasters — so, families continue to have a hard time,” said Servos.
Work is already underway for their holiday food giveaways. They’ll order the turkeys this Friday. Servos says they typically feed anywhere from 1,200 1,500 families during Thanksgiving and could potentially feed up to 1,700 for Christmas.
Meanwhile — with potential changes to SNAP benefits — they could see a 30% increase in need.
“So, that number is there… And we’re ready for it. We hope that we don’t need to prepare for that,” said Servos.
And if that’s not enough to balance — Prodisee Pantry — is also preparing for hurricane season — something else they hope to not have to weather.
If you live in Baldwin County and are in need of food assistance — you can stop by Prodisee Pantry on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for their open food distribution at their Spanish Fort location. They also have a food distribution the 2nd Saturday of the month at Stockton Methodist Church from 9 a.m – 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, for those in Mobile County Feeding the Gulf Coast has resources to help.
And click here to see if you qualify for “Alabama Sun Bucks” — a one time payment of $120 for eligible school age children for food during the summer.
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