Clay Reporter

Cars line up at Liberty Hospital on the third Friday evening of each month, not for medical appointments but to access a drive-through mobile food pantry. The event is organized in partnership with Redemptorist Center and Harvesters Food Network.

Jennifer Utz, RN, a volunteer and organizer, said the evening schedule helps those who cannot visit pantries during daytime hours. “A lot of people who need groceries can’t get to a food pantry that’s only open during the day,” Utz said. “Many people have thanked us for having an evening pantry.”

The idea for the food pantry came from information collected on medical intake forms, which include questions about patients’ concerns over food security. “As healthcare workers, we know that when people’s most basic needs aren’t met (food, shelter, clothing) that it is difficult for them to focus on anything else,” Utz said. “The hospital’s mission is to work in partnership with our community to improve the health, safety and well-being of those we serve. Helping to provide access to food fits into this mission and is imperative for good health.”

Food insecurity was identified as a top concern among patients. The first pantry event in September 2024 served more than 600 people. Since then, monthly attendance has averaged between 600 and 700 individuals from eight counties across three states including Kansas and Iowa.

“The response from the community has been very positive,” Utz said. “Most people have expressed their gratitude for just identifying the need and providing help to anyone who can come (not just those who reside in Clay County). They also appreciate that we are very fast. We are usually done in less than an hour once we start our distribution.”

At the July event, volunteers distributed supplies to 155 families within 45 minutes. Volunteers include hospital employees, their families, and other community members.

Melanie Palma, APRN-CNP at Liberty Hospital Primary Care Shoal Creek, volunteers regularly alongside her daughter Natalie. “It’s been a blessing to take my daughter with me,” she said. “It gives us something to bond over and talk about and look forward to. This service is really a blessing to the community.”

Liberty Hospital also distributes hygiene items, diapers, socks and pet food donated by local organizations in addition to food supplied by Harvesters Food Network. Information about other area resources such as additional pantries or assistance programs is available at each event. According to Utz: “We always provide some type of food safety or health education each month, too.”

Community members interested in volunteering can sign up through Liberty Hospital.

For more information or questions regarding the program, contact Jennifer Utz at jennifer.utz@libertyhospital.org or Lindsay James at Lindsay.james@libertyhospital.org.