Harvard Food Pantry continues to grow and give to those in need. Every first and third Saturday morning of the month, the Harvard Food Pantry provides various food and hygiene items to around 30-45 families by way of a drive-through at the Harvard Methodist Church.
“This group is so important because we help fill the void of families financial and social needs,” volunteer Cindy Reutzel said.
Around 30 people volunteer at the Harvard Food Pantry, but out of the 30, there are about 12 volunteers who devote their time to help out with the food pantry on dayto- day operations. Various churches, town groups, and school staff members also support the Harvard Food Pantry.
“It’s a humbling experience to volunteer, and it warms my heart to help those in need,” volunteer Elaine Almond said.
Volunteering at the Harvard Food Pantry consists of unloading trucks, sorting foods, loading food boxes, and distributing the food.
One of the main groups that supports and is involved with the Harvard Food Pantry is the Harvard People’s Project.
“The People’s Project is a resource people can turn to in emergencies for money for food, electricity, water, heat, and rent,” Almond said.
The food and hygiene products come from various places such as Food Bank for the Heartland, Healthy Kid Friendly Food Produce, Catholic Social Services, churches, school staff, and different individuals.
The Harvard Food Pantry was formed in 2015 at the Harvard Methodist Church, but previous groups would distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes. There was also a backpack program at Harvard Public Schools for students in need of food over the weekends.
The Almonds and Reutzels have both helped out with these distribution groups since the ‘80s. These past programs are part of the reason why they are so involved with the Harvard Food Pantry.
Reutzel started working at the Harvard Food Pantry ever since she rode by the Methodist church on her bike. She saw the food truck being unloaded and decided to help the volunteers unload the truck.
“I feel like God has led me to this job, and I enjoy serving the people. Creating connections with the community is one of my favorite parts about volunteering at the food pantry,” Reutzel said.
This summer Harvard Public School will not be able to provide its usual free lunch program due to building updates. Because of this, the Harvad Food Pantry is looking into a summer program to receive healthy foods for children in town.
“God willing, the Harvard People’s Project and Harvard Food Pantry will continue for many years to serve the community,” Almond said.
If anyone wishes to donate or help with the Harvard Food Pantry, they can contact Elaine Almond or Cindy Reutzel.
Cohen Reutzel is a sophomore at Harvard High School, and a member of the HPS Journalism program.
Harvard’s Food Pantry in full view has been a concerted effort by over 30 volunteers, the Harvard Methodist Church and the Harvard People’s Project and has successfully assisted numerous area families with food, hygiene products and much more. Great support has also come from various places, such as, the Food Bank for the Heartland Healthy Kid Friendly Food Produce, Catholic Social Services, area churches, school staff members at Harvard Public Schools and numerous individuals that have stepped up to added needed support to the food pantry.
