St. George city officials, church leaders, business owners, volunteers, and community members gathered at Switchpoint Community Resource Center on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to celebrate the center’s increased capacity for serving families in need. The new food pantry is 2,500 square feet, offering considerably more space compared to the previous 480 square-foot pantry.
Mayor Pike expressed his gratitude for the community support for Switchpoint, a nonprofit organization whose funds are administrated by the City.
“When we opened 11 months ago, we all knew [the food pantry] wouldn’t be large enough,” Pike said. “Through 100 percent donated funds, from grants, donations, and I’m certain labor, we have been able to make this happen. … We all envisioned this day would come; though, frankly, I didn’t think it would be this soon. It doesn’t surprise me. We do this all the time in our community. A ‘barn raising’ if you will, for the people that need it most.”
Carol Hollowell, the executive director of Switchpoint Community Resource Center, was also very excited and grateful.”I have to thank amazing staff that give their heart and soul,” Hollowell said. “This new addition will save us from throwing away so much food because we properly store it.”
The newly added building also houses a laundry facility. Previously, laundry was done by Switchpoint employees and volunteers because of location and limited number of machines.
“This allows self-serve operations of laundry, freeing us to utilize our time and resources better,” Hollowell said.
Intake Specialist Ronda Boufard, who has been at Switchpoint Community Resource Center from the start, still remembers their humble beginnings.
“I remember when we started with no phones and no computer,” she said. “It is exciting to see where we have come in such a short time.”
Those interested in assisting Switchpoint Community Resource Center or just wanting to learn more about what they do can attend a Vision Tour on Friday, Aug. 14, at noon. This 45-minute presentation is geared to showing what the Center is about.
Those in need can access Switchpoint for food on a weekly basis. An application process allows a food card to gain access to the pantry. Once a month, participants are eligible for a food box. In addition, recipients are able to go weekly for perishable items. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and distributes according to last name. Last names beginning with A-F go on Monday, G-L on Tuesday, M-R on Wednesday, S-Z on Thursday, and seniors over 62 go on Friday.
