1. New Era in Client Choice
By Jody Bender
aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted
to a Client Choice format. The designation of September as
National Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch,
according to Charles McLimans, ExecutiveDirector.
“The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for
some time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes
on our part, regarding distribution of food, but it puts the
nutritional needs of our clients first. “ClientChoice helps to
consider individual dietary preferencesand concerns,” said
Executive Director Charles McLimans. “Client Choice also treats
persons in need of our services with the same dignity and respect
any of us would expect if we found ourselves needinga helping
hand. Client Choice will also helpus to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.”
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed
to family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts
and produce as available. Many recipientshad requested food
substitutions to accommodate family preferences, cultural, or
medical issues. Prebagging did not allow for thisflexibility.
Consequently, food that clients did not want or could not use was
sometimes found discarded, wasting money and reducing the
amount of usable items available to the household for the two-
week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the ClientChoice systemallows Pantry patrons to
select foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically
reducing waste. This reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes
to provide more food at less cost. Additionally, patronswith health
issues will now be able to choose foods that will help, not hurt
their medical conditions.
Clients receivea waiting
number at the check-in
desk. After their numbers
are called, they may make
their selections. This
procedure manages
Pantry flow and ensures
people get individual help
choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food
as indicated on their client
card.
All distribution sessions
have been lengthened by
an hour to accommodate
the additional time
needed for the food
selection process.
S
Loaves&FishFood for
ThoughtEnding Hunger in Our Community Summer/Fall
2015
Published for the Friends and volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes providesfood
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.