Food distribution enhanced rather than diminished by COVID challenge

Photo by Eric Harrold/Fall River County Herald-Star

The Edgemont Food Pantry is located next to the United Churches at 401 4th Avenue.

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By Eric Harrold 

Staff Writer

EDGEMONT – Fifteen months ago, the Feeding South Dakota on-site pantry was closed in Rapid City due to COVID. The organization transformed itself into a mobile distribution program. Edgemont signed up for the program, and food distribution began outside Hillcrest Apartments.

At first, food was distributed to 25 families. Sue Michalek, a volunteer with Edgemont Food Pantry, says that the number is now up to 80 families that participate in the monthly distribution.

 “When the deliveries started coming on the truck, we saw an increase in participation, notably the elderly, and that may have been due to the anonymous nature of the distribution process,” said Michalek. “You don’t have to get of your car, just give your name and the product will be placed in your vehicle.”

Sometimes there will be items in a box that do not appeal to a particular recipient. In such cases, Michalek recommends sharing with others that might be more inclined to make use of items the recipient does not want themselves.

Food arrives in Edgemont on the third Wednesday at approximately 10 a.m. and the distribution truck then travels to Hot Springs for a delivery. Items vary with each delivery, but generally include meat products, dairy, fresh produce, bread products. The items are usually donated from corporate entitites such as Sam’s Club but can also come from non-profits such as Farm-to-Table, which came about after the beginning of the Covid crisis, according to Michalek.

The new distribution process has resulted in increased use of the Edgemont Ministerial Food Bank. Between 16 and 20 families a month visit the facility. The Food Bank routinely receives large quantities of meat products from various entities including Feeding South Dakota and the Alpine Inn in Hill City. At the Food Bank, one may select the items they want based on availability, as compared to the pre-packaged boxes that are delivered on the distribution truck. Donations to the Edgemont Ministerial Association cover the cost of food that is delivered by Feeding South Dakota. Michalek says the last order that was received including 750 pounds of food that was purchased for $200. Donations also come from Black Hills Energy and other regional granting entities.

Each summer and just prior to Christmas, individual churches in the Ministerial Association take a role in gathering donations and participate in a unified worship program to emphasize the need to join forces to defeat hunger in the community. Each fall, the Edgemont Student Council conducts a food drive to benefit the Food Pantry, resulting in hundreds of pounds of canned goods and paper products being donated to the organization. “The community is very, very generous with these efforts,” says Michalek.

The Edgemont Food Pantry is nonprofit organization that is supported by all of the community churches. Michalek recommends that those who wish to contribute, contact a local pastor or Stephanie at 605-662-5249.

Fall River County Herald Star

EDGEMONT OFFICE: 410 2nd Avenue   Edgemont, SD 57735-0660 | 605.662.7201
HOT SPRINGS OFFICE: 334 S. Chicago St.  Hot Springs, SD 57747 | 605.745.3930
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