Food pantry fundraising dinner draws wealth of community support

Friday’s sixth annual Brandon Area Food Pantry dinner was full of great fellowship, great food and a bounty of “gratefulness.”

With more than 500 people supplied with 14,000-plus pounds of food and personal hygiene items this past year from the BAFP,  Board president Steve Kielman said the local effort to serve people isn’t on the decline, but instead is on the incline.

“If you knew the people that come through the door and the look (of despair) on their faces, they have a look of relief when they leave,” Kielman said.

BAFP executive director Linda Weber said the local public continues to support the organization and its mission well.

“I think you all understand there is a need and that need is in Brandon,” she said. “It’s hard for us when people come in crying and are ashamed, and you hear, ‘I am the father; I need to provide.’ That’s why we’re here – it’s for a hand up, not a handout.”

Since the BAFP first opened its doors in November 2008, Weber said the local “spirit of giving and caring” has been clearly visible. One sample of kindness was recognized by the “Spirit of Giving Award,” which was presented to Dale and Krista Hanson. Weber said the couple graciously shared the bounty from their garden, supplying the BAFP with 782 pounds of fresh produce in less than a month’s time.

Diana Nelson of CHS Inc. was presented the “Spirit of Caring Award.” Nelson, an administrative assistant at CHS in Brandon, has spearheaded their annual “Harvest for Hunger” program, which has resulted in more than $11,000 in donations to the BAFP.

“Any money that we do get, we’re very frugal with,” Weber assured, noting financial contributions are largely used to purchase meat.

Also recognized for their giving and caring spirit at Friday’s dinner were the city of Brandon, Bill and Jane Miller and George Boom Funeral Home, who Weber said, “have (all) supported the BAFP since day one.” 

High school student Carter Gordon was cited for three years of his volunteer work at the BAFP, helping out with inventory and food drives.

And finally, 8-year-old Sarah Nasser asked friends and family for food donations instead of birthday presents this year.

“When the younger people start understanding and say, ‘I will give up my presents,’ I can say, ‘You get it,’” Weber said.

Serving on the BAFP Board of Directors are Kielman, Merv Kramer (vice president), Jana Lovrien, Dave Swier and Geri Schultz. Volunteer staff Diane Shomion, Judy Zimmerman, Amy Weber, and John and Marilyn Solmaria were also recognized.

“The things they do when people walk in the door down there and how they comfort them, thank you. You do a really amazing job,” Kielman said.