All of the Shoppers Haven Shopping Center is getting a face lift. Inside this storefront will be a new Life Pantry.
Loveland, Ohio – “Exciting news to share” is how Connie Rotterman and Linda Bergholz described their recent press release from the LIFE Food Pantry.
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The LIFE Food Pantry was established in 1988 to help those in the 45140 area who suffer from food insecurity, and who need emergency financial assistance. As our client base has grown, we have periodically made changes to better serve them.
Due to pandemic issues in 2021, we moved from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to our current location in Shoppers Haven across from the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools.
The increase in clients and the decision to change the format to a “choice pantry” (which allows clients the dignity to select their own food versus having volunteers select for them) were important changes that also permitted us to manage inventory better by avoiding giving out products the family didn’t like or couldn’t use.
Over the last three years, the need for our services has grown to the extent that our Board of Directors has determined the best course of action is to relocate to a larger space within the Shoppers Haven center.
We are pleased to share with you information about the upcoming move!
The families we serve almost doubled in four years, from 434 in 2019 to 856 in 2023. Our current space only allows for three clients to shop at a time. It’s quite challenging to serve large numbers of clients during our hours, causing volunteers to stay over their expected time.
Clients currently wait extended times outside to be served. The new space will have a waiting room where they can wait their turn with dignity and not wait outside in inclement weather and away from passersby.
Due to limited space in our back intake area, we have an off-site storage facility where products are stored as well as volunteers storing items in their homes. A larger space will eliminate the need for off-site storage, allow us to utilize our volunteers more effectively and most importantly have the necessary products within reach for our clients when needed.
When working with clients on financial assistance needs, the lack of privacy to discuss personal issues is a delicate and awkward situation; other clients as well as volunteers are within earshot. The new space provides a dedicated area where these conversations can be done privately, and clients can feel comfortable sharing information without distractions.
We are excited to stay in the same shopping center that is central to our clients and to have the space needed to accommodate our growing client base. We anticipate our move will happen mid-summer.
If you are interested in volunteering or helping us as we move forward, please reach out – 513.583.8222 or [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support!
Best,
Connie Rotterman, LIFE Board President
Linda Bergholz, Executive Director
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