b'clients whom they think need themThe federal government will reduce funding to SNAP in 2025 by roughly more. The volunteer community is$186 billionabout 20 percent. New rules will make it harder for families also really tight, she adds, and [its]to receive SNAP. But Leit says, We will continue to do whatever we can to wonderful how they all have specificmake sure were providing for our clients, and we welcome and need the sup-concerns about the clients and help- port of the community to help us do that.ing the clients. Its just an amazingDespite whatever challenges lie ahead in helping clients, come Wednesday group of people. mornings, one thing is sure: The volunteers of the Interfaith Food Pantry of CarrieSomberg,whohasbeenthe Oranges will happily gear up for another gratifying day of distributing volunteering since the pandemic, isfood, fellowship and smiles. proud of what the IFPO accomplish- Volunteers help stack pallets of foodHarriet Sigerman is a freelance writer and copy editor who lives in Maplewood.that are trucked into the pantry.es. You unfortunately see the same people over and over again. The needletter. To subscribe or donate money, does not go away. To see the familiesvisit orangesfoodpantry.org. and all the other resources that weTheIFPOfacesnewchallenges combinewithgivingfood:howtoto help its expanding client base. As get SNAP benefits, giving out booksinflationrises,werefindingmore to the young children, Summit Med- and more people in need, says Leit. ical Group being here giving vaccinesThe Community FoodBank of New during Covid, doing diabetes educa- Jersey, from which the IFPO receives tion and all the other things.most of its food, has already cut back This fall the IFPO will sponsor twofromproviding87percentofthe drives. In October, there is a drive forpantrys fresh fruits and vegetables to new or clean, gently used coats and68 percent. The IFPO will have to in November, there will be a drive formakeupthedifference.Everyone frozen turkeys and prepacked bags of[still] gets fresh produce, insists Leit. canned foods for clients holiday din- Wearesupplementingmoreand ners.Informationaboutthesetwopurchasing more of what is most im-drives will appear on the IFPOs web- portant to our clients, which is fresh, site and in its monthly online news- nutritious food.Young men from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteer weekly.Montclair Cooperative SchoolEarly Ages - 8th Gradethe world needsthe co-op! The world needs collaborationThe world needs creativityThe world needs kindnessRSVP FOR AN OPEN HOUSE!@montclair_coopwww.montclaircoop.org65 Chestnut Streetfeature story /35'