Ruby’s Pantry distribution for June in Austin to be held at Mower County Fairgrounds
Due to safety concerns that are ongoing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the June Ruby’s Pantry distribution will be at the Mower County Fairgrounds on Thursday June 18th. Like the Ruby’s in May, it will be a drive-thru with guests staying in their vehicles as Ruby’s volunteers place prepackaged bundles in their vehicles. Again this month, there will be no registration required and there will be no Express Track option available.
Bob Rosel, the Ruby’s Pantry Media Coordinator in Austin stated in a news release that in May, they distributed 400 bundles of food and other items to residents of the area. Each bundle includes two boxes full of donated items for a $20 cash donation. While most of their distributions have been at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, Rosel stated that they have temporarily moved their pop-up pantries to the fairgrounds to accommodate the large number of guests in the quickest, and safest manner possible.
Rosel went on to request that all guests clear out a space in the trunk or back seat of their vehicle for them to safely load their bundle. Volunteers are asking those coming through the fairgrounds to pick up their bundles to remain in their vehicle and keep the number of people in each vehicle to a minimum, preferably one or two persons. Each vehicle will be allowed only one bundle per vehicle. To help with transportation and storage costs, they are asking for a $20 cash donation per bundle. Please bring exact cash. Prepaid credit codes will be honored. Guests should not bring their own containers as they have boxes donated by International Paper that they will use.
Due to the number of guests using our pantry, traffic control can be an issue. Rosel stated that they will be assisted by the Mower County Sheriff Department to maintain safe traffic flow, on 12th St SW in particular. Guests enter the fairgrounds on the north end off of 4th Ave SW. Signs will be posted on 12th St SW and there will be volunteers to help line cars up and keep the process moving smoothly. The distribution will begin at 5:00 PM and go until the food is gone or they have no more guests. Guests may get back in line for each additional bundle they want.
Rosel went on to state in the release that last month’s pantry went very well and added that they are confident, with everyone’s cooperation, their June distribution will go equally well. If you have questions call Grace Lutheran Church at 433-3445.
Organizers with the local Ruby’s Pantry stated in the news release that they are in need of volunteers for their drive-thru pantry. If you are willing to help, please call Grace Lutheran Church at 433-3445.