The Merrill Food Pantry fills a vital need for the community with its weekly distribution of items for participants.
Members of the Lincoln County Nutrition Coalition recently completed three cooking demonstrations with a goal of enhancing the Food Pantry experience and establishing healthy habits among those who rely on its services.
In the months of May and June, nearly 100 participants attended the sessions where additional food items were included and Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center provided a different kitchen appliance for them to take home. Crock pots, electric frying pans and a griddle were made available to those who registered in advance and nutrition educators from UW-Extension provided demonstrations using chicken, beef, lentils and breakfast items along with the featured appliance of the session.
“There are many simple steps you can take to prepare a healthy meal,” said Jane Bentz, Foundation and Community Outreach Director at Ministry Good Samaritan. “We are excited that our efforts have been well received and give Food Pantry participants some extra skills and necessary appliances to supplement the support they receive.”
Bentz says that as the result of the participation and support for the program, more sessions are being planned for the fall.
“Other communities are contacting us as word is spreading of this great opportunity started here in Merrill,” said Bentz.