Eastern Plains Community Pantry

Progress Report January 31, 2013

     In the summer of 2012, the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency (PPCAA) moved their Calhan office from the old post office building on Colorado Avenue to a much smaller office on the El Paso County Fairgrounds.  A food bank operation shared the old post office building with the PPCAA office.  The smaller facility on the fairgrounds could not accommodate the food bank and it was closed.  A group of concerned citizens began meeting in August of 2012 with the intent of starting a food bank based on the need demonstrated by the previous bank.  The following is a list of accomplishments to date:

·         The name of the group is “Eastern Plains Community Pantry” (EPCP).

·         A set of By-laws have been adopted.

·         EPCP is a registered nonprofit corporation with the State of Colorado (12/19/12).

·         EPCP is a registered “Community or Volunteer Group” with the Internal Revenue Service (1/7/13).

·         Fifteen directors have been approved by the membership.

·         Officers have been elected; President - Bob Selle, Vice President - Shorty Lopez, Secretary - Reva Lopez, Treasurer - Joan Lawson, Public Relations Coordinator - Sharon Agun, Pantry Volunteer Coordinator – Anne Lopez.

·         The Pikes Peak Community Action Agency agreed to be the nonprofit sponsoring agency for EPCP until the Pantry can get its own 501 c 3 nonprofit status with the IRS.  A memorandum of understanding has been drafted and is under legal review at this date.

·         We are in the process applying for grants and securing sources for food donations.   A bank account was opened at Farmers State Bank.  We have already received many very generous donations, both from individuals and from local civic and religious organizations.  Donations may be made through local churches or other nonprofits if a tax deduction is desired.  Persons wishing to volunteer time should contact Sharon Agun, 719 347-2870, or Bob Selle, 719 347-2873 and we will put you in touch with our Pantry Volunteer Coordinator, Anne Lopez.

·         A contract for the lease of the former Coop Store has been drafted between the Calhan Fire District and EPCP.  The contact is subject to approval by the boards of both organizations.  At this time we are awaiting the completion of some building renovations, but we anticipate a move-in in the last week of February and an opening date of March 1, 2012.

·         The Board of Directors adopted a mission statement (see bottom of this page).

·         Two EPCP members are working on a Colorado Health Foundation Grant.

·         The current membership of EPCP is 40 members.

·         Meeting dates for EPCP are the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of the month at the Calhan United Methodist Church, 6:00 p.m.  All interested persons are invited to attend.  There is no need to call to let us know you will be attending, just come on in.

Mission Statement:

Eastern Plains Community Pantry will encourage, support, and enhance the quality of life of community members by assisting with food distribution, living necessities, and other resources for everyone with respect and dignity, and without judgment and prejudice.