Ruby’s Pantry of Austin changing distribution times starting Thursday

Ruby’s Pantry Austin will be changing its distribution times beginning with is April distribution this Thursday the 20th.

Bob Rosel, Media Coordinator for the local Ruby’s Pantry stated in a news release that the change is being made to better accommodate Pantry users who work and have had a difficult time making the earlier start time.

The new distribution time is from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, and Ruby’s Pantry of Austin originally switched the start time from 5:00 pm to 4:00 pm during the winter because of daylight and safety issues.

Rosel stated that the rest of the pantry procedures will remain the same. It is still a drive-thru at the Mower County Fairgrounds, and guests are asked for a $25 exact cash donation for each share with a two share per vehicle limit. To make the distribution of items easier for guests and volunteers, Rosel stated that guests should clear a space in their vehicles and bring empty containers, if possible.

Guests enter the fairgrounds thru the North Gate off of 4th Ave SW. At the gate they will be asked how many shares they plan to receive and when all the shares available have been spoken for by the vehicles in line, the gate will be closed.  Rosel noted that this is done for the convenience of those coming to the pantry to prevent them from getting in line, waiting, and then not receiving anything.

Rosel stated that the purpose of Ruby’s Pantry is to distribute food donated by corporations to anyone without income or residence restrictions. Ruby’s hopes to help people stretch their food budget and the donation is suggested to help cover the costs of transporting and storing the donated items.

There are over 80 distribution sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. The monthly third Thursday distribution has been in Austin since September 2019.