Dear friends of the Bread Basket,

As spring finally comes about this year we are seeing changes. We, the members of the board of the Bread Basket, are always so grateful for the support our caring community gives to feeding our neighbors, to sharing what we have with others.

It is truly amazing! But, as we look to the troubling times our government is currently experiencing financially, we know that serious changes are coming, must come if we are to survive this as a country.

With little money and the consistent borrowing of monies from outside our country, which cannot continue, many programs that help small communities are going to be cut back if not eventually discontinued. Already, we are receiving less food from the government agencies that share food with the communities. This brings the support for these programs back to the struggling communities of America.

This also means that in the case of feeding the hungry in our own neighborhoods, the job becomes even more the responsibility of the members of each community to take care of its own. We have been blessed in the past to have grants that have eased the burdens of keeping the Bread Basket open. In addition to our business community, farmers, ranchers, clubs and associations, schools and numerous individuals have helped out.

Last year, the continued support throughout the year enabled us not to bother you with requests for increased financial support. Thank you so much for remembering our neighbor’s needs. But now, we find ourselves in the position of needing to ask for more support from our own loyal community.

Even though we are being told that the bleak economic situation is getting better all the time, we continue to see a greater need for our services. Last year we saw 140 families during the seasons when it was most difficult to find work. This year we are seeing between 160 and 170 families at our doors with no signs of a better season coming. The need for food for these families is as serious as the need for work.

Please think seriously of this need, search your hearts before deciding. Realize that we will be grateful for any amount of financial or other types of support you can give at this time. Keep in mind that we are always in need of volunteer services and food, food, food.

The Bread Basket is located at 10 6th Ave. SW in Ronan and is open from 10 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is by working together that we will survive these tough times. God bless you and your families, one and all.

In appreciation for all you do for your neighbors in the community,