To the Journal editor:

Thanks to all who responded to the plea for help to fill the shelves at the Ishpeming Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Since the end of August, the pantry has received an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses within the Marquette County area and beyond.

In this timeframe, the pantry received $10,700 in monetary donations to purchase frozen meats and other food staples; more than 176 grocery bags of food; 390 lbs. of frozen, grass-fed beef from a private individual; and 891 lbs. of non-perishable food collected in front of Super One by Girls Scout Troop 5121 out of Negaunee.

Last year, the number of households utilizing the SVdP Food Pantry averaged 55 families per month. In 2023, the pantry has seen a drastic increase in this average to more than 100 families per month.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. John and St. Joseph Conference in Ishpeming and all of those people who directly benefit from the food pantry extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the pantry angels who have blessed us with generous donations and help spread the word about the pantry needs.

Please know that you all are in our prayers! As food prices rise, and with Christmas on the horizon, please keep your local food pantries in mind and contact them for specific needs.

God bless!