According to the President of Ministerial Alliance, Rev. Beverly Hamilton, there are 68 different families served from the Italy/Milford areas by the local Food Pantry. Since January 2008, she has kept a running total and observed, “These are all different families.” Hamilton said they are a wide range of families visiting at different times of the year.

The IMA Food Pantry is currently open every Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, there is some discussion of cutting back to 2 p.m.

Hamilton has applied for and received approval for 501©(3) status from the state. Now, the next step is the IRS Determination Letter needs to be filed creating tax exempt status. At this time, the North Texas Food Bank application will be filed through First United Methodist Church on their 501©(3) status and when IMA receives tax exempt status, it will transfer. When IMA is able to purchase food directly from the North Texas Food Bank, pricing will be drastically reduced and easily obtained by IMA. Also membership with United Way is being researched. These steps will make obtaining food much easier.

Rev. Hamilton said, “I want to thank everyone for their generous donations. We have received in quite a bit of food from various groups, including Stafford Elementary who is currently running a food drive for us.”

Mentioned below are the foods needed at this time:

• spaghetti and meatballs
• instant potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• dry navy beans
• peaches
• fruit cocktail
• stew
• mushroom soup
• vegetable soup
• tomato sauce
• greens
• spinach
• green beans
• corn
• salmon
• Spam

If you would like to make a monetary or non-perishable food donation, please deliver to First United Methodist Church at 124 Harpold on Wednesday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. or Central Baptist at 113 S. Ward Monday-Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., both in Italy. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Rev. Beverly Hamilton at 972-483-6335.