FISH Southeast Food Pantry

Please do not donate perishable food items.  The FISH Southeast Food Pantry purchases and manages all perishable food items (ex. #’s 8, 9, 11 & 14 below), but all other items make good donation options. Here are some of the things we learned that people need:

  1. Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box is difficult to make because it requires milk and butter; please send prepared pasta that only requires water.=
  2. Boxed milk is a treasure! Kids need it for cereal which people donate a lot of already.
  3. We have plenty of pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles
  4. Please remember to buy cans with pop tops, or you supply a can opener with your donation.
  5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice-A-Roni, which is one of the highest donated foods.
  6. Spices (Salt and Pepper) would be a great Christmas gift.
  7. Teabags and coffee make them feel like you care.
  8. Butter, margarine, sugar, and flour are real treats.
  9. Fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores are gems!
  10. Seeds are a great addition because they can be planted in the spring and summertime.
  11. They rarely get fresh meat that isn’t frozen. Things like Hamburger Helper need protein to go in them.
  12. Tuna and Crackers are a great lunch.
  13. They have plenty of peanut butter and jelly but rarely bread to put on.
  14. Eggs are a commodity.
  15. Cake mix and frosting make it possible to make a children’s birthday cake.
  16. Dishwashing detergent is costly and always appreciated.
  17. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury, and women will cry over that.
  18. Stove Top Stuffing is always #1

About FISH Southeast Food Pantry

FISH Southeast Food Pantry, is Southminster’s oldest local mission project. Begun in 1979, we partner with the Dayton FoodBank to provide emergency food assistance to those in need. In 2018 we are on pace to serve over 20,000 meals!

Although we’re all hunkered down to obey the governor’s shelter in place order, the FISH Southeast Food Pantry is permitted to operate as an essential entity due to its mission to provide food to the economically disadvantaged.  Many of our dedicated team have chosen to continue delivering food weekly, but we do have some deliverers who have chosen to stay safe and stay at home.

If you are looking for a way to help your neighbors, but haven’t found that outlet yet, please consider stepping up to deliver food to needy local residents in the Centerville area during this crisis.  We have modified food handling and interaction procedures to maintain social distancing at all times to keep both our deliverers and clients safe, so you will not put yourself at any more risk than any other out-of-home excursion.

Our clients need our help, and with the downturn in the economy and unemployment skyrocketing, we will be needed more than ever in the coming weeks and months.  Please consider reaching out and offering to help!

FISH Southeast Food Pantry has an urgent need for:

  • 2 to 4 Callers – retrieve calls from our voice mail, contact clients to confirm eligibility, enter client information into our Food Pantry online tool, then contact deliverer with client’s information.  Calls to clients are screened and made on Mondays & Wednesdays between the hours of 8:30-12:30.  This can all be done from home.  Total time commitment of ~ 1 hour per volunteer day (AM Hours)
  • 2 to 4 Deliverers – Contact the client to schedule delivery time, pick up food at the Food Pantry at Southminster Presbyterian Church then  deliver the food; One to two clients per volunteer.  Time commitment 1.5 –  2 hours per day (afternoon/evening hours)

For more information, or to become involved in this ministry contact Kevin Dickson at [email protected] or 937-433-8511