‘Great Palmer Pantry Push’ is underway

PALMER — People at the Palmer Food Bank want you to help fight hunger by donating canned food during one of the most important times of year.

“Food is always the lowest right now going into winter, and that’s when we need it most,” Palmer Food Bank volunteer Patty Dubler said.

This year’s Great Palmer Pantry Push runs through Oct. 11, ending during the monthly Palmer Art Walk. This the third annual Dubler-organized event inviting Alaskans to help those in need and get creative by building a display using their donated items. The best display will receive an award, as will the group collecting the most donations.

Although the number of officially drop-off locations is down to 39 from 60 last year, organizers hope the amount of donations won’t dwindle. Many schools, churches, grocery stores, small businesses and other organizations — including the Frontiersman office — are ready to receive canned fruits, vegetables, soups, sauces, juices and meats, as well as boxed cereal, rice and pasta.

“Palmer comes through,” Dubler said. “I’ve never seen so many generous people as right here in Palmer.”

The Push could be “at least as big as last year,” but that won’t happen without the community’s help, Dubler said. The Food Bank’s goal is for each group or business to collect 200 cans or more.

“It’s our big food drive, it’s when we get most of our donations,” Dubler said.

Dubler said the food drive amassed more than 10,000 pounds of canned goods last year, but the Alaska State Fair collection doubled that haul this year.

The drive collected around 20,000 pounds of food in just three days, with the help of the Wasilla Food Bank (now Mat-Su Food Bank), Salvation Army and other charitable organizations, said Food Bank manager Jeanne Borega.

Still, more donations are always welcome because the bank now serves an average of 400 families per month, 40 or 50 more than last year, Borega said.

Thus the Pantry Push, which lasts for 10 days instead of a weekend, and keeps students involved by donating at school. Cans from the kids make a significant impact on the Food Bank’s inventory, Borega said.

“The schools are so good at (this),” she said.

At Sherrod Elementary, Secretary Tracy “Ms. Tracy” Leigh’s birthday happens to fall during the week of the food drive. For the second year in a row, students have made her a birthday cake out of canned food. About a third of Sherrod students were able to donate something last year, which came to about 400 cans, she said.

The Food Bank also accepts cash donations and fresh produce during this time, though they request these things be brought straight to the food bank at 221 S. Valley Way, across the street from Humdinger’s Pizza in Palmer.

Other items can be donated as well, such as baby diapers, wipes, and dog or cat food, Borega said.

Since the Food Bank building is currently undergoing renovations, benefactors are advised to call 746-3565 prior to arrival.

For more information, contact Patti Dubler at 746-2135 or pattidubler@hotmail.com.

Contact Caitlin Skvorc at 352-2266 or caitlin.skvorc@frontiersman.com.