New Space Enables Pantry to Implement Client Choice Model
On November 1, 2010, the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry began serving clients in our new, larger location at 828 Hazelwood Avenue.
Along with the move came some significant changes: we added the word "Community" to our name to better reflect all those we serve in the 15217 zip code area, we were able to build a community room so we could hold onsite programming to benefit Pantry clients and we converted our Pantry from a traditional pantry model to a client choice pantry model. [Space constraints in our former Pantry location dictated the Pantry run under a traditional model under which food pantry clients obtain pre-selected food items.]
Our new pantry model is conceptually similar to a grocery store: a full array of available goods is displayed and clients are permitted to browse and "shop" for what they want and need. The client choice model offers significant benefits to both the Pantry and our clients:
- Distributing pre-chosen food oftentimes results in indirect waste of precious pantry resources because there may be items in an individual or family distribution that the client neither wants nor can consume due to dietary restrictions or preparatory limitations. Discarded food translates into wasted monetary resources for the Pantry as Pantry-purchased goods end up in the trashcan. When clients have the ability to select their own food items, they will likely only choose those items that they know they can and will use. Naturally, this will result in significantly less product being discarded and leave more food options on the shelf from which the next family may select.
- Food pantry clients oftentimes have little flexibility in other areas of their lives, and feel further undignified at having their food chosen for them. Giving clients the freedom to make their own food choices has a significantly positive impact on a client's confidence and self-esteem. In addition, client choice provides clients with the opportunity to exercise financial skills as they browse, compare and select items, as clients will have to make some compromises regarding which items they select in order to stay within their "budget".
In addition, our new client choice model enables us to expend staff and volunteer hours in more efficient, satisfying and different ways. In the traditional model, much of staff and volunteer time was utilized in preparing pre-planned client grocery bags. In our new Pantry, we are able to extend Pantry hours and also provide volunteers the opportunity to interact directly with Pantry clients.
When a Pantry client walks through our door, volunteers will be available if the client wants assistance, helping them evalate options, make sound "budgetary" decisions and even helping them carry groceries. Volunteers also will help at check out, and stocking shelves...all volunteer activities that did not exist under our former traditional model.
The ability to provide healthy and nutritious food and support in a dignified manner to all people in need is paramount among our priorities. With the expansion and implementation of a client choice model, the Pantry is able to serve more people in need of food assistance, provide more healthy food choices and better meet the needs of those we serve.
Note: homebound clients will continue to get home-delivery.
Click here to learn more about ways you can help or call 412.421.2708 for more information.
