Support for the Community Food Pantry and the giving nature of Winn residents was proven as volunteers gave out a one-day record number of food bags, plus lagniappe, to those coming to First Presbyterian Church for a little holiday help on November 21.
Volunteer Jan Beville confirmed that 116 families were served that day. Food Pantry policy allows two bags for large families and a total of 125 bags were issued. Included is a grocery bag filled with regular commodity items plus a separate “Lagniappe” bag of “a little something extra” that may vary from one bag to the next, depending on the extra items that have been donated or purchased for that purpose.
The Food Pantry, through donations, sometimes purchases some Lagniappe items. Much comes in from churches, church groups or individuals. But by far, the biggest portion of these special offerings comes in from 4-H members from across the parish.
“I don’t know how we’d make it without the 4-H,” commented Mrs. Beville. “They play a huge role in donations, providing the majority of our Lagniappe. They collect at all schools, then Donny Moon shows up with a trailer filled with boxes of canned food and boxes and boxes of cereal. They contact us to see if we have particular needs at the time of their food drives.”
Funding for the basic commodities is also love-driven donations from local churches and businesses, as the Food Pantry accepts no government of Food Bank support. Contributions to this local service operation are gratefully received.
A good turnout of volunteers from numerous churches arrives at First Presbyterian each Thursday a little early for the 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. service hours. “We always have room for more volunteers,” Mrs. Beville said. “Especially in our bag-carrying area.” (During and since the COVID era, volunteers carry the prepared bags to recipients who remain in their cars. The entire operation, from sign-ups to preparation to delivery is well-organized by the dedicated volunteers).
Anyone interested may come to any Thursday session to see how things work, then raise their hand and say, “I’d like to help.”