Calhan’s Eastern Plains Community Pantry is filling a gap in the food security needs of eastern El Paso County. A dedicated group of donors and volunteers are making sure the residents in need are fed and clothed.The Pikes Peak Community Action Agency moved out of the old post office building in Calhan that they shared with the food bank in the summer of 2012. The PPCAA moved to the county fairgrounds because the building had been sold as a storage area for a local business. The food bank closed. Within a month, a group of 40 Calhan residents met with a goal to open a new food bank.The new building housing the EPCP near the Calhan Co-op opened in February, and is much bigger than the previous space, allowing room for both nonperishable and refrigerated food, offices, a client service area and clothing racks.ìWe offer three food programs. We have the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) commodities program and the USDA senior program for age 60 and over,î said Anne Lopez, pantry coordinator. ìWe also have emergency food for those in need. We are also signing people up for our Christmas and Thanksgiving food baskets and the Christmas toy giveaway.îThere is no cost to recipients for the food programs. The pantry accepts monetary donations from people who can give something in exchange for the clothing available to anyone in the community. Clothes are donated from people in the community. ìIf we can use it, it will be washed and kept here,î Lopez said. ìIf we can’t use it, we’ll send it to ARC or to a local church for their rummage sale.îThe USDA food programs are provided on an income-based need, and potential recipients must apply for the programs in advance. The emergency food program is available to anyone in the county who has a need for food staples because of a job loss, house fire or other short-term situation. The pantry also has personal care items like soap, shampoo and baby care products.The building also now houses the PPCAA office, which relocated from the fairgrounds. Carl Finney, the PPCAA center coordinator, said the center is one of three locations in the county. The PPCAA offers programs such as helping meet emergency needs for rent and utility assistance.The pantry and its programs are funded by government grants and private donations. ìThis community has been amazing,î Lopez said. ìOur Christmas and Thanksgiving programs are funded by the Lions Club and the local churches. We have a great core staff of volunteers who work to keep the doors open every day.ìMonetary donations are the biggest help, because we can purchase what we need. Anyone can donate green beans or canned pumpkin, but few think about the staples. We need peanut butter and jelly, butter ñ things like that.îLopez said they donít take large household items, although they will match the person donating the items with someone who needs them and is able to pick up the item or items.The EPCP is located at 701 4th Street in Calhan. Donors and clients can reach them at 719-347-2976.
