Often, supporters, guests, members of our network – and even board members – will ask me: “Why all the numbers? Why the inventory, the statistics, the charts and graphs?” Many will follow the questions with a last: “Why can’t we just feed anyone who comes to our door?“
Let me address these questions not just from my lawyer perspective, or my leadership perspective, but from a practical perspective.
- Our Feeder Programs:
- Both our Federal and State programs require the pantry to qualify our guests. In fact, I recently posted the updated Federal program requirements. Each month, our organization needs to report detailed data to both programs – showing who, when, and how many people we are serving. While this seems an administrative burden to onlookers, by relaying this data to sponsors, they can plan how much New Hampshire residents NEED. I cannot asked for a larger portion of shelf-stable milk if New Jersey or California are suffering higher rates of food insecurity, homelessness, or poverty.
- The USDA, in fact, released its updated SNAP evaluation – citing NH for an 8.85 “error rate” – meaning NH received more than it required (although we are below the national error rate average of 10.62%). This means the Fed will seek correction. We need to do better. Hence, my fastidious numbers and graphs.
- This is why the Newport AAC Food Pantry requires an intake interview – and we count and measure.
- Social Justice:
- When we do not perform intake – or leave food or care packages out in the open for anyone to accept – how do we know what we are providing is truly helping those in need? We don’t. Does the seasonal renter, enjoying their time on the lake at their pricy rental, need to drop by to grab water and food? I need not answer that. But without careful gatekeeping, we cannot confirm those in need are being served. And importantly: that the resources so dearly obtained (from donors, feeder programs) are reaching the intended.
- This is why the Newport AAC Food Pantry gets to know every guest – to ensure they are receiving the help they need.
- Accuracy in Planning:
- Additionally, in my short tenure, I have found residents seeking services across pantries (they live in Claremont, but come to Newport; they live in Newport, but seek services in New London…). This skews the data. Some pantries – in their deep desire to help – do not perform accurate intake, do not count those served… More skewed data. How will we know how many people truly need help – and where those people reside – if we do not track carefully? How can we ask the state and federal governments for help if we do not carefully count and report?
- This is why the Newport AAC Food Pantry tracks every grain of rice – so we have enough each season for current and anticipated guests.
- Transparency:
- Donors deserve to know who they are helping – and that what we do with their eggs and dollars and canned fruit is for those it was intended.
We love to be generous – and give to those who ask. Sometimes, we have to focus on those who not only ask, but also those who are truly in need. I know, in my heart, that God will provide for our community no matter the numbers. I have faith (as do you). Yet, we need to approach God, our supporters, donors, and feeder programs with honesty and transparency. Accuracy, better tracking, reporting, intake – we can ensure we have enough for those who are in need.
