Pocono News Section

Expanded Food Pantry Opens in the Poconos

Expanded Food Pantry Opens in the Poconos - Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 5:35PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010 @ 05:35pm EST
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - The Follow Me Foundation Food Pantry opened the doors to its new home in East Stroudsburg Wednesday. Client Lizane Acosta said, "I think it's awesome. It's very spacious. Much more comfortable, convenient and fast."

Acosta has two children and recently had her hours cut at work. She said that's why she's thankful for the emergency Food for Friends program through the Folow Me foundation. She smiled, "I love it. I love having the advantage to be able to have their services available."

In the past, Lizane and other clients had to wait out in the elements before they squeezed inside a crowded pantry for their turn to pick up food. But non anymore. Lizane laughed, "It's not freezing in here. I can feel my toes."

The new East Stroudsburg location has about three times as much space as the old Stroudsburg location.

In addition to the new building there is also a new system here. Instead of just handing clients bags of food - the client actually picks up their own earth friendly bag and then shops down the food pantry line as if it were a grocery store.

Jerry Reynolds co founded the pantry. He said, "We couldn't be more happier of how this extra space has helped us stream line our production of helping our clients out."

A local car dealer, Jim Halterman donated the building. Reynolds said, "I just want to thank God from the bottom of my heart for Mr. and Mrs. Halterman."

Halterman responded, "I just felt it was a good thing to do." It's a good thing that will help the organizaiton continue to feed thousands of families.

The Follow Me Foundation will be allowed to stay in the new space until someone buys it. It's currently on the market for about a million dollars.