It has been one year since we began the monthly food focus for the Cares Food Network. During this time our congregation has donated over 1,500 food items, which translates into 329 bags, or 2,700 pounds of food! Thank you to everyone for making this program a success. The current economic crisis has put an ever-increasing demand on food pantries throughout the country. The Cares Food Cupboard has seen a 10% increase in the past 6 months and expects this number to grow by another 20% throughout the holiday season and beyond. As a friendly reminder, please check expiration dates, as state regulations prohibit the distribution of outdated food products. We will continue to follow the same donation schedule :

September: Canned Meats

October: Cereals

November: Stuffing & Gravy

December: Oil, Sugar, Cake Mix, Frosting

January: Spaghetti Sauce, Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese

February: Canned Fruit

March: Juice & Drink Mixes

April: Peanut Butter & Jelly

May: Rice (med. Grain), Rice & Pasta Side Dishes

June: Coffee, Creamer, Splenda, Equal, & Sugar Packets

July: Condiments: Mayo, Ketchup, Dressings

August: Soups: Chicken Noodle, Chicken Rice, Progresso

We also continue to donate personal care products to Safe Harbor, and canned goods to Salvation Army.