We keep telling you we’re busy here at NNEMAP. And then we get busier. Maybe we should stop mentioning it! But since our mission is possible thanks especially to you, our faithful friends, volunteers and supporters, you have the right to know what’s going on here. Well, here’s what’s going on: we’re busy. How busy? Check this out:

MEALS DISTRIBUTED, ANNUALLY

2015: 223,811          2016: 323,814

Increase: 100,003–we gave away 45 percent more meals in 2016. Of course, we surpassed our 2016 total by the end of September, so this comes as no surprise. For a peek at what this year may have in store, look here:

MEALS DISTRIBUTED, LAST 3 JANUARYS

2015: 17,643          2016: 22,842          2017: 29,194         

Increase: 6,352 or 28 percent more meals than 2016; 11,551 or 65 percent more than in 2015. That’s a busy January! If past performance is any indication, 2017 will be another record-setting year at NNEMAP.

***

To keep pace with this kind of inflation, we need your help! If you have some time, talent or treasure to donate to NNEMAP’s cause, contact us today. And tell a friend–because we’re busy!

The weather outside was pretty accommodating over the holiday travel season. But we can’t expect winter to stay away all season. With the worst of winter surely yet to come, it’s a good time to refresh your memory about NNEMAP Food Pantry’s winter weather/snow day policy. It’s pretty simple:

***NNEMAP Food Pantry will be closed when Columbus City Schools are closed for weather***

There you have it! Please check your local television news stations or websites for up-to-the minute school closing information. Thank you!!!

Have you been lying awake nights, wondering how you could ever find a way to volunteer at NNEMAP? Working full time and managing the household is a handful–and then some. Who can find the time to volunteer during the week? With limited pantry service hours, it’s not easy to make your busy work week schedule match up with ours.

But we heard your cry in the night. It sounded like this: “Can we volunteer on Saturdays?!?”

We are here to answer YES! Yes, you can volunteer on Saturdays!

Every Saturday, NNEMAP opens its doors to provide fresh produce and bread to clients who live within our service area ZIP codes. Just like a normal pantry weekday, volunteers are needed to help clients check in, shop for their food, load up and head out. Other volunteers keep food stocked up or work on other projects as needed and as time permits.

The pantry is open for produce mart shoppers from 11am until 1pm. Volunteer shifts begin at 10:00am and end around 1pm. To find out how you can volunteer on Saturday mornings, click here or e-mail info@nnemappantry.org today.

Thanks–and you’re welcome. We’re glad we could find a way for you to volunteer with us at a time convenient for you!

I know, I know, Christmas in August is one of the farthest things from your minds, but-t-t, now is the time to begin planning for the NNEMAP Children’s Christmas Store gifting in December.

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church has sponsored this program over the past three years. Gifts of toys from St. Andrew members, along with generous donations from other churches, groups, and individuals, have made Christmas happy for many children 1-15 years of age. St. Andrew, along with several other churches, has done a great job, but more help is needed. Last year we served over 700 kids and the need continues to grow.

This is why we are asking everyone interested to help provide gifts for NNEMAP kids. For those who don’t like to shop, a monetary gift is also much appreciated. We are giving this “Heads Up” to you so that you can get an early start for fall planning.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Susi Blackford via e-mail at sblacky@aol.com.

To provide a monetary donation in support of NNEMAP’s Christmas Gift drive, please send a check payable to

NNEMAP, Inc. c/o Jim Brown, Board Treasurer

PO Box 10614

Columbus, OH 43201

Please indicate “Christmas” in the memo so that we may apply your donation according to your wishes.

On behalf of the hundreds of kids looking forward to a happy holiday, NNEMAP says THANK YOU and

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST!!!

Starting this Saturday, NNEMAP Food Pantry will be hosting weekly fresh produce markets! Hours are from 11am to 1pm EVERY SATURDAY!!! Fresh produce delivered by the Mid-Ohio Food Bank will be available for area families, who can visit the produce market two times per month. Produce market visits are in addition to regular pantry service. What does that mean? More fresh produce and more food for our neighbors in need!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

If you always wanted to volunteer for NNEMAP but can’t make it during our regular business hours, our Saturday produce market is the perfect opportunity for you! Perfect, I say! For more information about volunteering on Saturday mornings, please call 614-297-0533 or e-mail info@nnemappantry.org today!