North Shore Federal Credit Union donates $2,000 to Ruby’s Pantry

Ruby’s Pantry recently received $2,000 from the North Shore Federal Credit Union. Accepting the check on behalf of Ruby’s Pantry are, from L-R: Barb Spaulding, Pastor Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Karen Halbersleben, Larry Spaulding, Robert (Bob) Padzieski, and representing the credit union, Ashley Curtis.

Ruby’s Pantry recently received $2,000 from the North Shore Federal Credit Union. It is a gift that will be shared by the folks who can benefit from it the most.

It’s been almost three years since Ruby’ Pantry came to Cook County.

Ruby’s Pantry requires a church sponsor for each site, and Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church agreed to be the sponsor for the county.

Started in 2003 in Pine City, Minnesota, the service has continued to grow.

In 2014, with 30 employees and thousands of volunteers, Ruby’s Pantry distributed nearly 12,000,000 pounds of food to 128,618 families. The organization shared an additional 5,253,373 pounds of food to other food banks.

In 2016 Ruby’s Pantry served 134,000 families throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Ruby’s Pantry was developed with a twofold purpose: to help people in rural Minnesota stretch their food dollars and to lessen food waste. Around 40 percent of food in the USA is thrown out.

How does it work? Food that is near expiration is donated to the Ruby’s Pantry warehouse in North Branch, Minnesota. From there it is trucked to various distribution sites in small towns. People gather once a month and give a $20 donation for a share—which entitles them to an abundance of food. People go through the distribution line with a box or other container and have food handed to them. (If a shareholder is given a food item they don’t want, they’re encouraged to pass it on to someone who would want it.)

People can purchase multiple shares. Donations help cover shipping and supplies.

North Shore Federal Credit Union, which offered to help Ruby’s Pantry expand to Cook County three years ago, has continued to support the program. The money just donated came from credit union members who participated in Hunger Heros.