VISIBILITY OF FISH PANTRY'S NEW HOME MEANS MORE ASSISTANCE

The new location for the food pantry operated by the FISH Volunteers of Cape Girardeau has worked well during its first nine months.

"Our assistance has increased with a more visible location," said the Rev. Jim Caughlan, president of the volunteers.

The pantry, previously located in the basement of a church on the city's south side, opened at 106 S. Sprigg last January. It consists of shelves partially filled with food items and a small office used by volunteers to track calls.

In the September newsletter to FISH volunteers, Caughlan wrote that the new location is allowing FISH to do more of what it was organized to do.

"We are serving more people in their emergency needs," Caughlan wrote. "More people in need know who we are ... where we are ... how to reach us."

The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. There are usually two volunteers to load groceries into sacks and one or two answering the phone. From 50 to 60 volunteers help each month.

"We are designed for emergency situations," Caughlan said. "We don't want people to become dependent on the pantry for services."

If someone appeals for food and their income is below a certain guideline, then it is usually provided, Caughlan said. However, if they call back the next week, they may be refused, he said.

Those receiving food usually will get enough for up to five days. A wide variety is provided, including cereal, meat products, spaghetti kits and canned vegetables, even cookies for the children in a family.

"We adjust the amount of food to what is available," Caughlan said. "We give what we can."

Those receiving groceries receive this reminder:

"The food you are receiving is a gift from the FISH Volunteers of Cape Girardeau. FISH is primarily a one-time emergency assistance program supported by area Christians who wish to share their love of Christ with persons in need. Please accept our gift in that spirit of Christian love and sharing."

In addition to providing food supplies, FISH also provides assistance with utilities, prescription drugs and transportation.

Those needing transportation are asked to work four hours at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. They will receive a bus ticket that can take them as far as St. Louis or Memphis, Tenn.

There are 45 churches involved in operating the FISH pantry.

Caughlan said the pantry is a good idea for area ministers since it's a way to insure that people who need help receive it. It also helps reduce the number of people who might try to take advantage of the offered charity.

"It works to the benefit of those who really need it," Caughlan said.

An appeal to restock the pantry's shelves was made to all area churches last Sunday, known as World Communion Sunday. The FISH pantry will also receive some of the food collected this fall by area Boy Scouts.

Caughlan estimated that FISH volunteers help about 3,000 people per year in one form or another. He expects that to increase as more people use the services.

With the better location, there is the challenge to secure more food for the pantry, he said.

FISH recorded 90 requests for food and served 250 people during August. Twenty-two families received assistance with utilities and nine were assisted with paying for medication. Requests for lodging, gasoline, taxi and bus transportation also were filled.

Some of those who receive assistance may pay the pantry back at a later date, Caughlan said. Some also send thank-you notes for the assistance.