One of our long-time grant partners, The Light House, recently reconfigured their existing food pantry space into a client-choice pantry. Below is an update from the organization on this change:

The spaces used for The Light House’s food programs recently underwent a much-needed renovation, which has allowed them to restructure their pantry program to operate as a new Client Choice system. This Client Choice pantry allows a variety of new food options including meat and dairy and broader inventory. With the guidance of their dedicated and trained volunteers, visitors to the pantry are now selecting their own food items. This new system not only provides the dignity of choice to those struggling with hunger and food insecurity, but also allows for a basic nutritional education component to this process. In just the first 10 days of opening, this new Client Choice system has far exceeded expectations by providing almost 200 individuals and families with over 10,000 pounds of food!

Recent data from the United Way of Central Maryland, and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County reported that one third of AACo residents can't afford adequate food, rent, or healthcare, and that over 75,000 county residents struggle to access fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Through hot meals, bagged lunches, and this newly revitalized Client Choice Pantry, The Light House’s 10 Hudson Street location provides healthy food to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.

Grant partners are encouraged to send news and updates to us to share widely on this blog and on our social channels. If you have news, send to info@hjsfoundation.org for review and we’ll take a look!