Unwelcome changes

"Why did the Avon Township Food Pantry change hands after the new township board was elected?" I asked at the Town Hall meeting on April 10, The answer: The newly elected Avon Township board chose not to renew the food pantry lease. What a shame. They fed 2,700 people per month.

The excuse was the "choice" program, which could easily have been implemented under the old organization, and, in fact, it was. Expelling from the new board the member from the old board who provided expertise and continuity was counterproductive. The food pantry is a separate entity, isn't it a conflict of interest to have the only two food pantry board members also be elected officials of the township?

The new food pantry is not taking advantage of sales at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The excuse for cutting the operating hours from over 1,000 per month to a mere 400 was the lack of volunteers. There was an adequate number of volunteers under the old organization.

Select experienced people from the old food pantry to provide continuity and prevent novice mistakes. Prevent the appearance of a conflict of interest by the majority of the food pantry board NOT also be township elected officials. Healthy sale items from the Northern Illinois Food Bank should be purchased to stretch dollars. Ask the old pantry members how they were able to recruit and maintain their large volunteer base. Check with University of Illinois Extension about classes in nutrition

Please heed these suggestions since the food pantry service, though not officially under the Avon Township control, is one of the most important services available to township residents. It's too bad that being in control was more important than doing the right thing. How disappointing.

Georgeann Duberstein

Hainesville