A Message from the Executive Director
March 2007

Isaiah G. Cooper

We have been busy at work selling our 50/50 raffles, which I am happy to say is going very well.  We want to also say that we have had an overwhelming response from our sponsors, individuals and businesses either buying and/or selling tickets.  We are confident that this effort will be a success due to the great support we are receiving.  We would like to thank the following newspapers who have advertised our raffle – The Courier, Asbury Park Press and The Independent and to all the people (Pantry and Non-Pantry) that are working so hard along with us.  Remember – tickets can be obtained during our hours of operation so don’t be shy come on down and buy or sell a few. 

In my February message I mentioned that we are participating again in the Alan Shawn Feinstein Hunger Challenge.  The challenge runs from March 1st to April 30th.  Your food or monetary donations toward this challenge is truly appreciated.  To get full details on the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation Challenge visit their website feinsteinfoundation.org/. Thank you to Kevin Penton from the Asbury Park Press who wrote an article on this challenge for us on February 22nd. See the article.

1. We received a very generous donation from the Aberdeen Stop and Shop Supermarket toward our building fund.
2. We submitted 100 “Thank You” hearts to the Statewide Emergency Food and Anti-Hunger Network (SEFAN) organization for presentation to Gov. Corzine thanking him for allocating $4 Million dollars in the budget to feed the hungry.
3. We continue to research grant opportunities.
4. We continue to process preliminary Food Stamp applications for all interested parties.  You do not have to be a pantry client, so contact us if you are interested in seeing if you qualify for the Food Stamp Program.

You might have noticed that this month’s message is short but it’s because we have so much going on and there does not seem to be enough hours in a day.  Rest assure that if something develops throughout the month of great importance it will be updated on our website.  So remember to visit us often.  We want to hear from you so contact us via our Comments Page using either the Director and/or Registrar email provided in the Contact Us section of our website. 

Hang in there – Spring is just around the corner.  As always The KMFP Staff and Volunteers are truly grateful for your generosity and support.

Isaiah G. Cooper
Executive Director
Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, Inc.