CVCCS works to alleviate hunger

Jon Barrett, director of Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS), has seen an unprecedented increase in need in the area. "Since July our clientele has doubled," reported Barrett near the end of 2023. "Food (in our choice pantry) is just flying off the shelves."

Although donations typically increase between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the rising need has resulted in gaps and the request for particular food items. "We give away more than 200 boxes of cereal a month," said Barrett, who added that the CVCCS Food Bank also hands out approximately 100 cans of soup and 35 boxes of crackers weekly.

According to Barrett, most CVCCS clients are living just above or just below the poverty level. They are working people who usually rent their homes, and the rising cost of groceries has pushed them to a place of food insecurity. "We want to provide three meals a day, so we (talk to) clients about how to cook for themselves so they don't eat out," explained Barrett, who pointed out that volunteers who shop one-on-one with clients are well versed in encouraging ways to combine hearty soups with rice and meat. "We are trying to encourage sustaining meals," said Barrett. "We give out meat, and with the meat you can be creative."

Presently, Barrett does not see the need changing in the near future. "There are no signs of this slowing down. We are anticipating the need to be just as great (going forward)," he said. "Our clients are really struggling," he added, noting that a lot of CVCCS participants have transportation issues. "Many are single parents or seniors who can't get around as easily anymore," he pointed out.

Items that CVCCS really needs, in addition to cereal, hearty soups, and crackers, include instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pasta, pasta sauces, canned meat, gravy, peanut butter, and beef and chicken stock. Food items can be brought to the organization at 2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "Come to the food bank door on the left side of building," said Barrett, who added that the door bears the words "Food Bank Entrance." Monetary donations are always welcome, as well. "We need (funds) right now because the prices have gone up for us to purchase (food)," stated Barrett, who noted that the majority of the food distributed by the ministry is purchased.

The mission of CVCCS is to "provide food, clothing, mentoring, and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ for struggling neighbors to help improve their standard of living." "The goal for us is always self-sustainability," said Barrett. "We love our clients, and we want them to be able to be on their feet." Readers who wish to learn more may visit https://cvccs.org.