Food Insecurity Does Not Take The Summer Off

Summer is typically a slow time for food donations at SPAN. Routines are different, and without the seasonal focus on giving that comes during the winter holidays, it is easy for food insecurity to shift out of mind. But it doesn’t go away.

This has been one of the busiest years for our food pantry. With one month to go in our fiscal year, we have already helped more households with food than last year and most of the previous years. SPAN has some slow days and sometimes we have a line of clients. It is unpredictable. Recently, on a day when the rain was steady and strong, we had one of our busiest days. As I was stepping around puddles, helping to load food into a car and trying to keep the cardboard dry, I was reminded of the importance of getting this food to the many people making the trip on such a stormy day.

It can take a little creativity when it comes to giving in the summer. We don’t have school food drives or other seasonal reminders. At SPAN, we are inspired each year by the thoughtful ways this community steps up. Grandparents turn shopping trips into giving opportunities with their grandchildren. Neighborhoods and swim teams collect at their summer events. Some people contribute through their church or Vacation Bible School. Other people drop off food in our boxes when they go to summer programs at the Severna Park Community Center or library. And some people simply add extra items to their grocery list every week for SPAN.

SPAN’s most needed items include:

• Meat and potatoes: canned meat, instant and canned potatoes, and gravy packets
• Vegetables: canned vegetables - and garden extras are welcome too
• Spreads: syrup and jelly - we often have more peanut butter and pancake mix but run short on these
• Breakfast foods: cereal, syrup, pancake mix, coffee and tea
• Sweet treats: cookie, brownie and cake mixes and frosting
• Cleaning and hygiene: laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, soap and toothpaste

In addition to food assistance, SPAN continues to support many families facing utility shutoffs, another area where the need remains high. When I have given food to a client who cannot take items that need to be refrigerated, I am reminded of things I take for granted. When I step into an air-conditioned building after time outside, I am grateful. Hearing our clients share some of the reasons they got behind on their bills and seeing their stress as they work to gather funds to avoid their power turnoff are reminders for me and help me connect with my gratitude for being able to get out of the heat.

Look for SPAN in the Severna Park Independence Day parade. We will illustrate how together, for the last 35 years, we have been helping neighbors in need with food and emergency financial assistance. As we walk in the parade, wave us over - we welcome food and financial donations!

Thank you for remembering that these needs don’t take a vacation. With your help, neither does our support.

SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) is an independent nonprofit food pantry and emergency services provider that has been helping local families with eviction prevention, utility turnoffs, medical/prescription bills, and food since 1990. SPAN serves 15 zip codes in Anne Arundel County. SPAN is located behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road in Severna Park. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00am-1:30pm. For more information, call 410-647-0889, email spanhelps@yahoo.com or visit www.spanhelps.org. Financial donations may be made through the website. Food donations may be dropped off 24/7 using the storage bin behind SPAN’s building or at the Severna Park Library and Severna Park Community Center. Please “like” SPAN on Facebook!