The Rhineland and Area Food Bank marked another year of community service and growing need during its recent annual general meeting, offering a transparent look into its financials, operations, and the increasing demand for support.
Board chair Angelika Stoesz summed it up simply: “We did very well last year. We have good support, we have good volunteers, and we have an excellent board. And we were able to meet the demand.”
In 2024, the food bank recorded 3,141 client family visits—an average of 59 clients per week, a number that has steadily risen over the past several years. Just last week, the food bank served 72 households.
“We serve clients from every walk of life. We do have a number of very large families,” said Stoesz. “At the beginning of COVID, client visits dropped briefly, but that only lasted for the first while. Then it went right back up.”
For context, pre-pandemic weekly visits hovered in the high 20s to low 30s. But since then, the numbers have continued to climb: 38, 52, and now a consistent 59 per week for the past year.
Each client/hamper costs the food bank about $35 to fill with groceries.
“We provide staples. We don’t provide a lot of really luxury, expensive goods. The only extra items you’ll see are just stuff that has come in from the food drive,” said Stoesz. She added that they are deeply grateful for the local food drives that fill in any gaps and ensure their shelves stay full during the busy seasons.
Despite inflation and growing demand, the team has kept the shelves full, largely thanks to local partnerships and thoughtful planning.
“We buy our regular groceries at Co-op. And at IGA we buy all our milk, and we always have a weekly special,” Stoesz explained. “Co-op gives us a discount on our purchases. IGA donates and is now doing a discount too.”
A Balanced Year
Treasurer Alvin Ginter shared a clear financial snapshot for 2024. Total income came in at $107,797, while total expenses—ranging from grocery purchases and miscellaneous supplies to gift cards for school breakfast programs and charitable donations—tallied up to $119,489.
Of that, over $110,000 was spent directly on groceries, most of which were purchased locally. The food bank also gave $5,000 to the Empty Stocking Fund and contributed gifts to other organizations.
The year ended with a net loss of just $6,801, which Ginter pointed out nearly matches the amount given to external groups.
“So, it was a balanced budget. It has held steady,” he said. “The bulk of the donations come in towards the end of the year. And that’s holding true again this year.”
As for the food bank’s current reserves, they remain stable.
“Cash and savings and all that—we were sitting at just under $281,000 at the end of 2024,” Ginter reported.
Stoesz emphasized the vital role of the community in sustaining the food bank’s work.
“The local fundraisers really give us a boost. We do depend on the fundraisers, and we depend on our regular local supporters.”
With costs rising and client visits increasing, the Rhineland and Area Food Bank continues to be a crucial support system for many families. And behind the scenes, a dedicated team of board members and volunteers is making it all happen—quietly, efficiently, and with compassion.
As Stoesz put it, “We buy the majority of our goods, so we make sure that the shelves are always filled. That kind of reliability, especially in uncertain times, is something the community doesn’t take for granted. And we value everyone who keeps supporting us.”
