Just Food volunteers are, from left, Patrick Roberts, Ace Hickey, Barb Hale, Barb Pitner and Kaitlin Saenz. They were volunteering at Just Food on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, in the warehouse, 1200 E. 11th St. Just Food, which helped 2,000 individuals last month, needs to raise $100,000 for operational costs. by Karrey Britt
Just Food, a Douglas County food program that served 2,000 people last month, needs to raise $100,000 in 60 days or it faces closure.
“We have a tremendous program and we are meeting the needs of the people, but we are in a critical need for funding to continue,” said Ace Hickey, a longtime Just Food volunteer and board member.
Hickey, a retired Lawrence mail carrier, has been involved with Just Food since 2005 when it was just a concept among a handful of community leaders.
They wanted a bigger pantry that would allow them to store perishable and nonperishable items and that also would serve as a distribution center for smaller pantries.
In 2009, the concept became a reality when East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corp., a community action agency, received a one-year $250,000 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to start the program. In October 2009, Just Food began operating out of a warehouse at 1200 E. 11th St.
Since then, it has served 25,327 people, including 3,084 children under age 6.
Joshua Myers, of rural Lawrence, sorts food and puts it into sacks for low-income families to pick up at Just Food, 1200 E. 11th St. Myers has been a volunteer at Just Food, a Douglas County food program, for six months. by Karrey Britt
Just Food is part of the Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City, Mo., and is able to obtain nonperishable and perishable items at a reduced cost. It can provide a complete meal for 74 cents. The program also gets donations of fresh produce from Douglas County farmers and the Lawrence Farmer’s Market.
The food program operates on $132,000 annually, or $11,000 per month. That pays for two employees, rent, utilities and other necessities. It has 15 active volunteers who help write grants, enter data, store food, and help clients.
Just Food is staying afloat with a $50,000 Community Service Block Grant and approximately $1,700 in community donations per month.
“If we can buy some time with some significant support, then I am very hopeful that Just Food can continue to meet the needs they are now,” said Carolyn Ward, interim coordinator for Just Food.
Damien St. Julien has been the Just Food warehouse manager since the program opened.
“It has helped this community out so much as far as the amount of clients and the food that comes and goes here,” he said. “I think it would be pretty tragic to see it close in the event we don’t get funding — not only for our clients, but for the volunteers who have poured their hearts into this place.”
HOW TO HELP
Just Food, a Douglas County food program that serves about 60 people per day, needs to raise $100,000 to continue operations.
Donations can be made online at www.justfoodfund.org or by mailing a check to Just Food at 1200 E. 11th St., Lawrence 66046.
For more information, contact Just Food at 856-7030 or visit www.eckan.org/justfood.
Tagged: Just Food, Douglas County food program, local food, poverty, hunger, food pantries
Comments
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VTHawk (anonymous) says…
At $132,000 per year, 60 persons per day, the expense amounts to $6.00 per person per day. The $.72 per meal probably doesn't included operating costs. This isn't a criticism--merely an observation.
It is a tough economy, so I empathize with those who need assistance to keep food on the table.
cenkskid (anonymous) replies…
While your math isn't off, it didn't go far enough.
From working at this Food Bank, I know that they give each person three days worth of food and three meals a day. So the $6.00 per day divided by 3 days is $2 a day. Now take $2 per person a day and divide it by three meals a day. The cost per meal is is actually about $0.67.
I'd say what they're reporting is pretty accurate.
VTHawk (anonymous) replies…
Thanks for the clarification, cenkskid.
cenkskid (anonymous) replies…
You're welcome. It's a good question and people need answers. Ms. Britt and Well Commons do an excellent job reporting on these needs in the community, but of course, their articles can only say so much.
Glad to help.
mcku (anonymous) says…
I'm having a tough time seeing where the money goes. $11,000 per month. Let's say two employees make $2,000 per month (pretty reasonable--more than most teachers make). Let's another $2000 for rent, which is pretty generous. Where does the other $5000 go? I'm not saying there is anything wrong here but I'd like to know where the money is spent before I donate my money to keep it afloat.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
That's kind of a good question.
Although $24,000/yr. isn't more than most teachers make - it's around starting salary for many of them - I believe.
The article says rent, salaries, utilities and other necessities - I imagine those are vehicles, transportation costs, etc.
But it still does seem like a lot of money.
Why not call and ask them?
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larrytowngirl (anonymous) replies…
I agree. And when you think of the now $20 million going to the library "enhancement" it makes me want to PUKE!
larrytowngirl (anonymous) replies…
But "vagrants' are not the only ones needing help right now!!!!
notwhatyouthink (anonymous) says…
You guys are hitting on something here. $11,000 a month for only 2000 people served is a steep price. It's not like those 2000 came in and took a whole weeks worth of food. Usually it is just a few items to each person.
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ks_guy (anonymous) says…
Would like to help, but I'm kind of broke right now, myself. Between extra taxes for the new library and junk yard for replacement parts for the suspension on my '86 Ford Fiesta because the roads are crap - I'm broke!
larrytowngirl (anonymous) replies…
Ya Know???!!! lol
Mari (Mari Windermere) says…
I think that all y'all forgot about the cost of the food. This does not seem like a high cost for a problem that serves this many people.
I don't know what their actual expenses are, but let's just say:
If each employee makes $1,000 a month and rent, utilities, and other expenses related to the actual physical space amounts to $1,000 a month, we are left with $8,000 for food. With 2,000 people coming in for food each months, that is only $4.00 per person for the food itself..
Jefferson_County (anonymous) replies…
Yes - that's right. Furthermore, I don't think one can extrapolate how much is being spent on food each month just from the information in the article. It may be 72 cent a meal, but how many meals are being distributed? I don't care, I just don't think there is enough information there to even guess the food costs each month. They are not wasting money, and I encourage all of the commenters on this article to volunteer at a food pantry to see the necessity of these operations for the working poor and other people in need.
Mari (Mari Windermere) replies…
Oops. Not "problem", program. I should have left the typing until AFTER my morning tea.
cenkskid (anonymous) says…
Another thing the article doesn't hit on is that this Food BANK not only serves people directly, but it also supports pantries around Lawrence. Since they have space that many of the pantries don't, large food orders from Harvester's and community projects are stored there and then Just Food delivers these pantries their fair share of the food when it's needed.
This all costs money. They have a large operation out there. If the rent is $2K and salaries take up anywhere from $4K-5K and you consider utilities around $1K, we're at $7,000 to 8,000 a month already. That's not accounting for food, operating trucks and fork-lifts, computer and printing needs, and paying for the maintenance to all this.
They're really doing great work out there. Go see for yourself, and you'll see it's not just another food pantry where people take one or two things.
notanota (anonymous) says…
Hey Libertarians, tea partiers, and social conservatives. Here's your chance to prove that charities are superior to government-run agencies.
evilpenguin (anonymous) says…
I see from the picture that the food bank stocks prepackaged, microwaveable rice in a sachet. This is an expensive item, they usually retail at around $2.00 a pop. It seems like this is an unnecessary luxury item for a place that is catering to people who have trouble affording food.
Surely providing uncooked rice would be a more financially viable option? Maybe another thing to consider (if funding can be gained), would be to provide cooking classes which can help teach customers how to get the most from their food.
My husband and I live on a food budget of $60 a week which doesn't stretch very far. We eat a lot of beans, vegetables, rice and pasta and we try to find recipes that are well balanced. Sometimes education is a good tool to use to assist people in exploring different foods that they might not know how to use.
The Just Food program sounds like an interesting idea, but maybe they could simplify the foods they provide and reduce costs that way.
Mari (Mari Windermere) replies…
Those convenience foods you see were likely donated. I know that I have donated similar items.
luv2raft (anonymous) replies…
Agreed. I know some area churches have a "Just Food weekend" where members bring in nonperishable food items for Just Food. My church does this and much of what we donate is what you see in the picture - canned soup/beans/veggies, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Betty Crocker potatoes, etc.
RadarC (anonymous) replies…
You make it sound like that people who are hungry must be punished with inferior foods of some sort. First of all, the foods are donated items. Second of all, your eating costs are $120 per month, per person! For the two of you, you spend $240 per month. Just Foods is trying to help people get through some tough times. I agree with cenkskid, go check out JustFoods for yourself. Maybe there is something you can do to help out. If the $100,000 is not raised, I hope an alternative solution is found. Hunger is not going to go away without the action of the community. You are part of that community. Please, just go and do something. I once witnessed a 90+ year old man that volunteered at a food bank in another town, regardless of your age, you can help, too! Thank you!
paulyouk (anonymous) says…
I'm a little curious at people who say $11,000 a month is a steep price to serve that many people. Compared to the costs of many for-profit and governmental services, that cost is a bargain, especially for something as fundamental as increased food security for the entire county.
People also need to realize there are costs associated with food and especially with the transportation of food. We are talking about transporting massive quantities of food.
Just Food not only serves people directly, but provides a service to many community agency partners who use the warehouse as a conduit for services they provide with the help of Harvesters, such as providing commodities to senior citizens.
Finally, I am not sure if many of you fully understand the level and type of work put in by staff. To say the least, the figures quoted here, which are barely above the federal minimum for salaried workers, are laughably low for the work provided, even for the standard of living in Lawrence.
Full disclosure: Even though I am speaking as an individual here, I work for an organization that partners with Just Food.
paulyouk (anonymous) says…
evilpenguin,
Food is donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses...it isn't bought directly. The primary cost of food involves transportation of food that comes into Douglas County through Harvesters.
Just Food also does coordinate cooking and educational classes for clients.
gert891 (anonymous) says…
Just donated on the website link..super easy took 2 minutes. Every little bit will help...never know when you might need their help....
middlemgmt (anonymous) says…
I just made a huge breakfast for my family and didn't think twice about it. I'm happy to donate to help others provide what we take for granted.
kbritt (Karrey Britt) says…
I want to add that a majority of the people are not homeless or beggars. They are our neighbors. They are people who have lost jobs and have children to feed. They are children and they are seniors. The have been through divorce or in accidents. One of the volunteers told me that it is emotionally difficult for most of these people to accept help from the food pantry — something many are doing for the first time. She said they show up in tears and are embarrassed. But, they also are very grateful! I plan to spend a day at the pantry and visit with those who access the pantry. Look for an article in the next couple of weeks.
mcku (anonymous) says…
I truly understand the need for giving. But I also don't blame anyone for making sure the money they donate isn't being wasted. I think it would be helpful for organizations who ask for donations to provide a budget so we can see where the money goes.
kbritt (Karrey Britt) replies…
I have asked for a breakdown of the $11,000 in operational costs. We will try to provide that soon. Carolyn Ward mentioned the money is for rent, two employees' salaries and benefits, phone service, Internet service, lights, stamps, paper, and gas for a vehicle to pick up and deliver food, etc. She assured me it's a "bare bones" budget.
Marilyn_Hull (Marilyn Hull) says…
Thanks for covering this! The pantry folks have been too busy running things to get out and tell their story in the community. They are providing a vital service. I donate to this organization and hope others will too.
RANGERTWO (John Olsen) says…
I am sorry that they are having money problems. But they have had this problem from day one. Ms. Britt should make a trip to Ottawa and talk with the ECKAN CEO, Richard Jackson and the COO, Aaron or call 785-242-7450. I would also visit with Jim Bayes. I know from being involved in it early that the original manager and warehouseman were paid $60,000 between them. There was so much infighting happenning from different pantries Just Food served, from how to set it up, who got what and when, even what to name the place. One church had a lady that was very adament about not having ECKAN in the name , such as it is now. Even Jeanette Collier had her problems with this. Anyway, the other organizations involved in Just Food were suppose to be meeting monthly to come up with a way of sustainablity because the grant they recieved was only good for one year, September 2009 to September 2010. That was not met for many reasons, and ECKAN was not going to shoulder the load after that. Its sad they couldn't come up with the means to save it, but management at ECKAN never really showed interest in it from day one and left it to beg for survival. I aplogize for any mispellings! I wish all the people that turned to them for help good luck and use Ballard Center.
paulyouk (anonymous) says…
I know I said it earlier, but $11,000 for helping over 2000 Douglas County residents a month is *very reasonable*....in fact, that budget seems lean.
While I can understand that people want to make sure their donations are being used properly, posting an exact budget openly here to me might bring up privacy issues. With an organization small enough to be run by two full-time employees, you would basically be posting the salary ranges for two private non-government workers.
I think it would be a little uncomfortable to see the predictable squabble over such private information in a forum as public as this one, a squabble likely to be most vivaciously carried out by those who never intended to be donors or supporters in the first place.
Either way, on a related note, whatever Damien is paid, he deserves a raise. That guy busts tail everyday and helps a great deal of people =)
sleepy33 (anonymous) replies…
I work for a non-profit with a paid staff of 3; believe me, you get used to everybody and anybody knowing exactly what you make. Actually, you're required to list the salary of the ED and the 5 highest paid staff members on your 990, so it's not a secret. It kind of stinks, but at the same time, you are accountable to the people whose donations pay your salary, and it's important that they know that the staff are being paid a reasonable salary. Transparency is key to earning a trustworthy reputation.
kbritt (Karrey Britt) says…
Here's a breakdown of Just Food's annual budget, according to Carolyn Ward, interim coordinator:
• Staff — 2 full-time employees, including benefits, unemployment insurance, work comp and insurance totaling $83,705.76. The costs for work comp/insurance make up $16,918.08 of that total. This is a result of working in in a warehouse environment — it bumps up the liability risk.
• Building — $29,588, which includes rent on a 3,600-square-foot warehouse, insurance, pest control and equipment maintenance.
• Utilities — $14,308, which includes gas, electric, water, telephone, Internet and two cell phones.
• Vehicle — $3,973 which includes maintenance, insurance tags and taxes for cargo van used to pick-up and deliver food.
• Supplies — $8,012, which includes office supplies (paper, printer toner, pens, pencils, etc.), postage, printing, and janitorial supplies.
The total is $139,586.76 (this increase is due to rate increases on work comp insurance and health insurance benefits).
Mari (Mari Windermere) replies…
Thanks for the information. I think it will help for people to see where the money goes.