Dear Members,

It is a pleasure to be writing to everyone again.  I hope you had a
pleasant and relaxing summer even though our works of charity never
cease.  In July 2000, we served 59 families which included 113 children,
109 adults, and 12 seniors.

To bring you up-to-date, the following has happened since the last
newsletter:

1.  The New York State HPNAP program (Hunger Prevention and Nutrition
Assistance Program) has awarded the Society a grant of $5900. to use at
the Regional Food Bank.  This is far in excess of previous grants but
because of operational changes at the Food Bank the food items are
costing us more.  There is very little available at 12 cents a pound any
longer.

2.  The A & P Co. has stopped giving away salvage items at the store
level.  Evidently, a few people within their corporation were taking
advantage of the program and it has been discontinued except at their
headquarters in New Jersey.

3.  We participated in St. Denis's Ministry Fair.  It gave the Society a
wonderful platform to explain what we do and how we do it.  I believe
there will be a follow-up meeting at St. Denis on September 15.  Several
people have showed interest and I encourage them to come to our regular
meeting or to the follow-up meeting to have all questions answered.  The
fair was a huge success--enjoyed by all.  I want to thank all the
members who represented the Society at the event.

4.  Joanne Bunnell and I attended a food safe handling class at the
Regional Food Bank in Cornwall-on-Hudson.  We learned many useful tips
and we were able to express our concern about the freshness of some
items especially the eggs.  It was determined that eggs should be kept
no longer than 4-5 weeks from expiration date on carton.  Canned goods
under reasonable conditions can be kept 2-3 years.

5.  Our thanks go to Lifeteen for their help this summer.  They
collected cash and canned goods just when we needed it the most.

6.  We also thank the maintenance staff at St. Columba who have spruced
up the food closet--new ceiling tiles, lights, and paint.
 
A few comments on the food closet:

Our food closet committee has drafted guidelines for using the closet in
the following article.  Please take the time to read it thoroughly.  We
have to stabilize the inventory situation.  Since we are feeding more
people not less, we all must be increasingly sensitive to supply versus
demand.  Remember another member will be right behind you trying to meet
their client's needs.

A recipe page has been posted in the closet which you can pull off to
take to your client.  If it is helpful, I will continue it on a regular
basis.

Bags appear to be at a premium in the closet.  Please bring in your
surplus bags. Thanks.

I hope everyone will find time to come to our next meeting scheduled for
September 13 at 7 PM in the St.Denis/St. Columba school library.  We
have many challenges facing us this year and we need ideas and help from
everyone.

God bless you,
Carole Grafer, President