Important Notice for Pantry Agencies
Posted by Katie Savoie on
Dear Agencies,
Unfortunately, due to limited donated supply, we are forced to limit the amount of donated meat and salvage on orders. Going forward, agencies will only be able to order a combined total of up to 100 pounds of meat products, plus 300 pounds of salvage per week. Agencies with limited pantry hours will be limited to the same amounts on their normal ordering schedule (ex. 1x per month, 2x per month). We are very sorry to have to implement these limits, but as supply continues to be low, we want to make sure as many of our 350 agencies as possible have access to product they need. As all of you know, the past two years of supply chain issues and shortages have affected everyone, and we've heard from several agencies about drops in donated product from other local food sources as well.
This protein loss comes as a hard hit to families across northeast Indiana, as grocery prices continue to rise. We are very hopeful that donated meat and protein will rise again soon, but for now we must take it day by day. To give an example, Meat Assorted, one of our most ordered items, has only about 3,000 pounds in stock as of right now.
While we cannot forecast the availability of donated product, we have been doing our best to keep purchasing food items to have available for agencies as well. Currently, there is no limit to purchased product, including meat, since we place these orders directly with distributors and wholesalers. While we often have long lead times, we have been able to keep up with demand so far.
In the meantime, even in our in-house programs, we have made adjustments and these ideas may help take the strain off some pantries:
Sincerely,
Carmen Cumberland
President and CEO
Community Harvest Food Bank
Unfortunately, due to limited donated supply, we are forced to limit the amount of donated meat and salvage on orders. Going forward, agencies will only be able to order a combined total of up to 100 pounds of meat products, plus 300 pounds of salvage per week. Agencies with limited pantry hours will be limited to the same amounts on their normal ordering schedule (ex. 1x per month, 2x per month). We are very sorry to have to implement these limits, but as supply continues to be low, we want to make sure as many of our 350 agencies as possible have access to product they need. As all of you know, the past two years of supply chain issues and shortages have affected everyone, and we've heard from several agencies about drops in donated product from other local food sources as well.
This protein loss comes as a hard hit to families across northeast Indiana, as grocery prices continue to rise. We are very hopeful that donated meat and protein will rise again soon, but for now we must take it day by day. To give an example, Meat Assorted, one of our most ordered items, has only about 3,000 pounds in stock as of right now.
While we cannot forecast the availability of donated product, we have been doing our best to keep purchasing food items to have available for agencies as well. Currently, there is no limit to purchased product, including meat, since we place these orders directly with distributors and wholesalers. While we often have long lead times, we have been able to keep up with demand so far.
In the meantime, even in our in-house programs, we have made adjustments and these ideas may help take the strain off some pantries:
- Look for ways to increase other proteins that may be more available instead of meat
- Limit amounts of meat given to clients until supply issues are corrected
- Continue focus on other foods, like fresh produce, which also promote health and are more available at this time
Sincerely,
Carmen Cumberland
President and CEO
Community Harvest Food Bank