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Deep River committee reviews food pantry demand, plans summer backpack coverage
Summary
At its April 7 meeting, the Deep River Community Health Committee accepted minutes and the treasurer's report, reviewed rising food pantry use and home visits, arranged July backpack coverage with Deep River Ambulance and sought Rotary help for August, and set volunteer and donation drives in May and June.
The Deep River Community Health Committee on April 7 approved the minutes and accepted the treasurer's report, heard that food pantry visits rose in March, and arranged summer backpack coverage with local partners.
The committee recorded account balances as of April 4: checking $8,837.94 (an increase of $443.70 since March), a money market at $154,309 earning 3.70% (up $819), and a total of $163,147.37 (up $1,322.73 year to date). Committee members noted February expenses of $1,121.54, including one rental-assistance payment, with year-to-date expenses of $5,681.09. February revenue was $1,506, of which $1,221 came from the Jam for Cans cash donations. Emily Chase moved to accept the treasurer's report; Joyce Berardis seconded the motion, which carried.
On program operations, members discussed collecting allergy and dietary information from families served by the backpack program; the committee will circulate a half-page form for that purpose. Chair Lori Gregan said Deep River Ambulance will staff backpack coverage in July, and the committee will reach out to the Rotary Club to cover August shifts.
Faith Sprigg reported that the food pantry logged 96 visits in March, 62 phone calls, 24 appointments or walk-ins and nine home visits. The increase in home visits was attributed in meeting notes to referrals from Elder Protective Services. Pantry volunteers requested donations of snacks and cereal to meet current demand. The minutes also record that Rosie is retiring and that social services will be closed on Tuesdays thereafter while maintaining its regular schedule otherwise.
Under other business the group planned volunteer support for the postal carrier food drive on May 9 (afternoon), discussed soliciting toiletries for the Fire Department pancake breakfast on May 17, and noted that June 19 — the last day of school — will be a double distribution day for programs. The committee acknowledged receipt of many Easter baskets donated by Sandy Voss at the Clinton Rotary and assigned Nancy to write a thank-you.
The committee noted one open position on the roster through December and that Chair Gregan has a potential candidate or two. The next meeting was set for May 12, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.; Betsy Scholfield moved to adjourn and Lauren Nichols seconded.
Respectfully submitted: Emily Chase, Secretary.
