Ever since our first ‘A Cup Of Soup Or Bowl ‘Week almost five years ago, we always love getting updates from Caityn Kirby at Catonsville Emergency Assistance, who returns with big news for Nestor about the facility expansion on Bloomsbury Avenue helping to serve even more residents and community members in need in the 21228.
Caitlin updated Nestor on Catonsville Emergency Assistance’s facility expansion and efforts to improve local food assistance.
Facility Expansion
- The organization is replacing its outdated pantry with a one-story distribution center, supported by state funding and contributions from Harkins Builders and its foundation.
- While construction is underway, staff and volunteers are operating a temporary pantry at Emmanuel UCC. Distribution from the new center was expected to begin around the start of the year.
- When will the new center begin serving clients?
Service & Community
- The pantry serves residents experiencing food insecurity; Caitlin estimated that about 33% of Catonsville faces food insecurity.
- The new space is intended to expand service and support a more supermarket-like shopping experience that preserves clients’ dignity. Currently, clients receive bags of food.
- The organization relies on more than 100 volunteers over the year, including about 25 who volunteer each week.
- Invite Bragan Harkins to appear on the show to discuss Harkins Builders’ support for Catonsville Emergency Assistance. (@Nestor Aparicio)
- Coordinate doing the show at State Fair during the turkey distribution before Thanksgiving. (@Nestor Aparicio)
- Bring an “I miss Tom Petty” coffee mug next Sunday.
Facility Expansion
- A new one-story distribution center is replacing the old, difficult-to-use pantry building.
- State funding, Harkins Builders’ support, and construction guidance from Greg Morgan are helping make the project possible.
- The temporary pantry is operating at Emmanuel UCC during construction.
Food Assistance Operations
- The organization serves neighbors facing food insecurity in Catonsville, estimated at about 33% of the community.
- Current distribution is by food bags; the new facility is intended to support a more supermarket-like experience and serve more people.
- More than 100 volunteers contribute annually, with about 25 serving each week.
Community Support
- Catonsville restaurants donated food for the Taste of Catonsville fundraiser.
- State Fair is donating 100 turkeys for the organization’s Thanksgiving distribution.
- The organization plans to focus on getting the new facility operational rather than holding a spring event.
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