As you may have read in our last edition, the North Royalton Food Bank has been relocated to Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church at the corner of Royalton and Abbey Roads.

Instead of running from a huge responsibility of operating the Food Bank for a city of over 30,000 people, church members of Royal Redeemer are welcoming the challenge with open arms.

“What a privilege it is for us to be able to partner with the city of North Royalton in this way.  The staff and volunteers who dedicate their time and resources and oversee this food pantry program are truly amazing!  We are thankful for all the hard work that is done to meet the real needs of the people within our community.”  Those words are from Pastor John Zahrte of Royal Redeemer.

Mary Ann Tansler of the Care Ministry at Royal Redeemer and her assistant Kat Lacinski will be the point people for the Food Bank.  Mary Ann has been involved in the Care Ministry at Royal Redeemer for almost six-and-a-half years, which includes the Church’s own Food Pantry.

“The Mayor wanted to have the city, the churches and groups like the Kiwanis to be partners in the Food Bank. In a sense, all of these groups will pool their resources.  The food will be housed here at Royal Redeemer” said Tansler.  “We’re excited.” Tansler says one of their goals is to get to know those who use the Food Bank and to assist them in whatever way they can.  “Our intake process will be a big help.  For example, if there are special dietary needs of the family (diabetes, allergies, heart problems, cancer, etc.) we will put together their food basket that will reflect their needs.  If there are children in the family, we will place items specifically for them in the basket.”

Also, Tansler hopes to include perishable food items, produce, a gallon of milk, cleaning supplies and toiletries in the food basket.  “Including these items in the baskets will allow individuals and families to stretch the money that they have even farther.”

Tansler hopes to establish a system in which individuals or families who depend upon the Food Bank will be able to come every 30 days.  “If there is an emergency; like a fire, an individual or family forced to leave their home quickly, the Food Bank will be there to help.  The churches in North Royalton will have emergency food supplies as well in case their members don’t know where to turn.”

“We have never not had food,” said Tansler.  “It is amazing how generous the people of North Royalton are.”

“The North Royalton Food Bank operates 100% by donations,” said Tansler.

If you come for an intake interview, Tansler asks that you bring a photo ID and proof of residency with you.  “We’ll also determine if you would be eligible for other types of assistance, such as help with payment of your winter heating bills.”

The North Royalton Food Bank will gladly accept donations if your group is having a canned food drive.  If you or your organization wants to make a monetary donation, the Food Bank will accept that as well.

Remember, food insecurity never takes a day off.

For more information about the Food Bank, to schedule an intake interview or to make a donation, call Mary Ann Tansler or Kat Lacinski at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church at 440-237-7958.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI

Contributing  Writer