The Capuchin Services Center serves as the distribution site for emergency food and clothing, assisting 228,000 community members annually.
The Center features a “shoppers’ choice” food pantry resembling a small grocery store, complete with reach-in freezers and coolers, vegetable and fruit islands, and bread and pastry racks. The food pantry distributes more than 10,000 pounds of food each day. Each guest is granted a designated number of pounds of food based on family size. Families are eligible for food assistance every thirty days, and receive sufficient food to feed a family of four for a week. A typical food package contains ten pounds of meat, canned and boxed dry goods, and fresh produce and fruit.
The clothing distribution area provides a “retail” feel to the shopping experience and distributes over 1,700 articles of clothing each day. The Center also distributes appliances and furniture for families reestablishing households after a fire or a stay in a shelter. There are no geographic eligibility criteria; however, all recipients of service are interviewed by an emergency assistance worker.
Case management services are provided by degreed social workers, and support groups are offered for mothers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Donations of food, clothing and appliances and furniture in good condition are gratefully accepted.