“Unforeseen expenses often cause a well-planned family budget to dive into financial crisis,” says Colin McNabb, director of mission. “It is said in the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ Helping our brothers and sisters through the food pantry allows our staff to focus on caring for our beloved patients and not how they will afford the next meal for their family. It is not just a matter of charity but our responsibility as a community.”
The Employee Food Pantry at St. Joseph Hospital is growing – literally. Thanks to donor generosity, the pantry’s new home at 174 Kinsley Street provides employees, volunteers and School of Nursing students experiencing food insecurity with enhanced privacy and easier access.
A state-of-the-art hydroponic system, thanks to donors who supported the Employee Wellness Fund, will produce over 300 pounds of fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables annually at a fraction of retail cost. From leafy greens and herbs to bok choy and Swiss chard, this compact vertical growing unit ensures year-round access to fresh produce, especially from November through May, when local farm sourcing is limited.
In 2023, the Employee Food Pantry supported 726 visits from our hospital community members. As one visitor shared, “I gained custody of my 4- and 5-year-old grandkids, and adding them to an already full family was a financial burden. The Employee Food Pantry has helped us so much. Thank you for the help.”
Your generosity is making a lasting impact on our hospital community.