In the heart of Baldwin County, Alabama, Prodisee Pantry has been addressing a fundamental need for over two decades—feeding those who face hunger. The organization's executive director, Deann Servos, highlights their impressive efforts by mentioning that they distributed 176 tons of locally sourced fresh produce last year alone. With summer bringing an increase in demand, this year is seeing even greater numbers than before. In May, they were assisting an average of 75 children weekly; however, by the first week of June, this figure had surged to 135.

This year's summer presents unique challenges for families as the absence of free school meals significantly impacts household budgets. Servos notes that inflation and other economic factors have led to a rise in family visits. Last year, nearly 11,000 families sought help from Prodisee Pantry, equating to more than 1.4 million pounds of food being distributed. This number is expected to grow further due to rising living costs and potential changes in SNAP benefits.

Despite these daunting figures, Prodisee Pantry remains committed to its mission. They are already planning for holiday food distributions, ordering turkeys for Thanksgiving and preparing for what could be their largest Christmas effort yet, potentially aiding up to 1,700 families. Meanwhile, with hurricane season approaching, the pantry is also bracing for additional needs should natural disasters strike.

Beyond holidays and seasonal fluctuations, Prodisee Pantry continues its regular open food distribution on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at their Spanish Fort location and on the second Saturday of each month at Stockton Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Residents of Mobile County can find similar support through Feeding the Gulf Coast.

As Prodisee Pantry anticipates a possible 30% increase in demand due to SNAP benefit adjustments, they remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting Baldwin County residents. Their proactive measures underscore a readiness to meet any challenge head-on, ensuring no one goes hungry, regardless of the circumstances.