Ruby’s Pantry of Austin in search of volunteers

Ruby’s Pantry of Austin is in need of volunteers.  

Bob Rosel, Media Coordinator for Ruby’s Pantry of Austin stated in a news release that with summer activities getting in full swing, the number of volunteers at Ruby’s distributions has decreased. Ruby’s is asking anyone who has the time around their busy schedules to consider volunteering for some of the pop-up food share distributions in the coming months.

The distributions are the third  Thursday of every month at the Mower County Fairgrounds. The distribution set up  begins around 2:30 and the pantry starts about 4:00 PM. Clean up is usually finished  by 6:00. Ruby’s encourages individuals, families and organizations to come help serve  our area neighbors. The next several Pantries are June 17, July 15, August 19 and  September 16.  

Rosel stated that the need for food does not go away in the summer. In fact, for some families, it increases. Ruby’s Pantry provides a way for area residents to stretch their family  budget by providing food items and some dry goods.  Rosel noted in the release that Ruby’s Pantry asks for a $20 cash donation for each bundle to help cover transportation and storage costs. 

These pop-up pantries started in September 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin.  They moved to the Mower County Fairgrounds April of 2020 because of the Covid-19  pandemic and went to a drive-by distribution to speed up the process and to improve  safety.  Rosel stated that Ruby’s intends to continue to use the drive-by method as it has worked very well  for guests and volunteers. 

Volunteer groups from area churches, businesses, schools and sports teams have stepped up to pitch in and help. If anyone has questions about volunteering for Ruby’s  Pantry Austin or any other questions please call Grace Lutheran Church at 433-3445.  Updates and current information about Ruby’s Pantry Austin can be found at  Facebook.com/Rubys-Pantry-Austin.