Tabitha's Way Local Food Pantry South County — Restaurant in Spanish Fork

I've enjoyed making occasional contributions of food and additional requested items to Tabitha's way, via door to door food drives. This past week was my first time taking food contributions directly to the actual location in Spanish Fork.

Given the volunteer nature of most or all staff members, it's understandable that sometimes the facility is closed and we must place the items in boxes or bins outside.

Please accept a constructive suggestion: please make provisions to place any food goods in a room temperature deposit drawer/bin of some type, or at least in the SHADE.

Here is what I hope is some helpful background information: as a scientist in the Food Industry, I was very concerned with the food donations' sitting in the direct sun, sometimes at 100F+. Of greatest concern are the oil-based products, such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, etc. Those temperatures can easily destroy the emulsions in mayonnaise and salad dressing, etc. in less than an hour, leaving a greasy, oily mess that is inedible.

To test shelf life in food products, my industry will often use what is called "accelerated testing," which is storing the product at elevated temperatures, in order to obtain a faster estimate of the product's longevity at room temperature, before it goes bad.

A rule of thumb is that, for every 10° increase in temperature, the rate of food deterioration at least doubles, that is, the length of time the product stays good is cut in HALF.

100°F is a 30° increase above room temperature. That means the food donations deteriorate at least 8 TIMES FASTER than normal, when placed directly in the hot sun; this includes even canned goods.

Just one reason this is important, is that many food donations are from the personal food storage of families and individuals - food which might be nearing the end of its shelf life, but is still wholesome and nourishing when it arrives at Tabitha's Way. Chances are quite high it might be rendered unwholesome or even harmful under current conditions of extreme temperature abuse, due to their already limited remaining shelf life.

Best wishes for continued donations and blessings for our friends...

I came in recently and I’m deeply hurt by how I was treated by staff and others today. I came in today to pick up things. I’ve been really struggling and extremely stressed out, so every time I go into the pantry. It’s a reminder of that, and I’m very anxious every time I go in. I walk in and get in line because I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be doing and I don't dare ask any questions because I feel as if everyone in the place is staring at me. I wait in line and the staff member at the desk asks me if I’m in line. I don’t know what I’m doing so I said I’m in line. She looked me up and down. She’s like “well I have an appointment.” I’m thinking to myself. I’m so beyond stressed out right now I can’t think straight and I’m not trying to take her postion in line. She can go ahead, but why is she talking to me like this? So unkindly. She dished another passive aggressive comment to me. “No appointment huh?” Or something like that. I’m like girl. I’m not trying to take your spot. I don’t care. I just want to get my food. Everyone in there was treating me like an animal. I know this may seem like a funny story of just a lady being me to another random lady at a food pantry, but I feel as if staff could’ve prevented this by communicating with me and keep track of who’s next, so there’s not conflict. I don’t mean that to be disrespectful towards anyone. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I think if Tabithas way is about helping others and helping people rehabilitate then shouldn’t we display what kindness looks like and not tolerate disrespectful behavior? It makes me not want to come back even though I desperately have to return because I need food. Staff please remember why you’re doing all of this to...

Without an appointment, the wait can be 45 minutes or more. I recommend making a appointment! When it was finally my turn, I was instructed to park in front of the building and wait for a helper. As I waited, I watched families take advantage when the volunteers weren't looking. Each member of the same family would grab donated 6+ roll packages of paper towels when they were only allowed one per family. Anything available in front of the building was taken when unsupervised. I was disappointed that people did not think of others and why Tabitha's way existed to begin with. I want to express my gratitude for all the wonderful people that volunteer to help others and direct traffic in the freezing cold. I appreciate all that donate and truly care about the welfare of others. God bless you all. And I truly hope those that come for help will be honest and...