It’s been a busy year for Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO), but a satisfying one. The organization has had the opportunity to witness the positive impact their newest addition — a food pantry — has had on their community firsthand. In Cole County, Feeding America estimates that around 12% of people are food insecure, but in some areas of Jefferson City, food insecurity is more prevalent.
In January, CCCNMO soft launched Catholic Charities Food Pantry. During their first week of service, the pantry served 80 families. Just a few weeks later, they’d already served 196 households and nearly 500 individuals. Those numbers are growing, too, notes CCCNMO Executive Director Dan Lester. The pantry was fully launched at the end of March and staff continue to collect data so they can refine services and better understand their clients' needs and preferences.
When CCCNMO began to plan for the pantry, Dan knew that thoughtful and purposeful design was key to serving the community.
“One of the key tenets of Catholic social teaching is the recognition of the inherent dignity of each and every person. One way we recognize that dignity is by creating spaces that are welcoming, acknowledging that just because someone is coming to us to seek help, does not make them any less valuable or worthy of respect,” emphasizes Dan. “We view our pantry as a place of healing and hope the environment we have created is comforting to our guests.”
The intention translated well. Clients visiting the pantry are greeted by an open, airy space reminiscent of a traditional grocery store. Shoppers select their own items as the pantry follows a client choice model.
For those unfamiliar with food pantry models, client choice provides neighbors who need food with the ability to select the products they take home rather than receiving food that’s pre-selected. The client choice model provides a more traditional shopping experience and makes the interaction more personal. The choice model is especially important because the pantry serves a diverse group of clients with a range of needs, including refugees who are part of the organization’s local resettlement efforts, says Dan.
“We celebrate the diversity of our communities in mid-Missouri and having food available that is culturally relevant is one way to ensure that our neighbors in need are nourished in body, mind and soul.”
Clients of the pantry also have the opportunity to access a range of CCCNMO support along with nutrition services they may receive from the pantry. The organization offers counseling resources, housing and financial wellness guidance, immigration outreach and case management support and more. By synergizing services, CCCNMO can offer clients a more efficient and effective experience that supports the whole person. Dan hopes that by intentionally addressing the multi-faceted needs of clients through a suite of resources, CCCNMO can improve outcomes and help clients find long-lasting wellbeing.
“Our goal is to promote whole person health, and our pantry is one of the cornerstones of that approach.