CLARENCE — On Nov. 16, a dedicated group of volunteers came together at the Snow Shoe Township Building in Clarence to distribute free food to neighbors in need.
Dan Hall of Snow Shoe took over the management of Fresh Express in 2020 and works to keep the distributions flowing smoothly.
Twice monthly, on the first and third Thursdays, cars line up to await the noon start time. Eleven people turned out to help on Nov. 16.
“I have a roster of about 26 volunteers. Today a couple have a funeral to attend. The numbers vary, but the volunteers are faithful and work well together,” said Hall.
The helpers come from Milesburg, Clarence, Snow Shoe and Centre Hall.
“We all do it to help our neighbors. We work together to get the food out to those who need it,” Sharon Hall said.
Dan Hall has kept a log, and he reported that since 2020, there have been 77 distributions totaling 46,200 pounds of food (23 tons). The average weight of a distribution is 600 pounds. The average number of volunteers on a day is 19, for a total of 4,253 volunteer hours to date (September 2023). The average number of households served in each distribution is 145, which adds up to 282 individuals.
To receive food, applicants fill out and sign a “Self-Declaration of Need” form once yearly. Documentation is necessary so the organization is properly distributing the food that the government is providing. The food is available on a “first come, first served” basis.
As the cars line up, Dan Hall walks along, checking off names etc., to help speed the distribution along. Other volunteers shout out the number of families the car’s occupant is hoping to supply.
Volunteers on Nov. 16 included: Doug and Darlene Saylor, Jeanne Bacon, George Crock, Barb Baugher, Carol Fye, Roy Chambers and John Mazich. Gary and Mary Halsnik were delivering to some of those in need who couldn’t come out.
“Ron Surovec, Francine Bosak and Hanna Bosak, usual helpers, are not able to be here today,” said Hall.
The food provided varies from time to time. On this day, the offerings included: milk, eggs, bread, cereal, fruit bars, frozen strawberries and boxes of fresh produce.
