Maisto Bankas Community Support in Sauliai

In Siauliai, Lithuania, we had a meeting with the director, Sandra Simaityte, and Skaiste Makslahti-Tolesheev, the wife of the branch president. Skaiste is familiar with the food bank’s operations as she herself goes to receive food her non-profit organization. She arranged for us to meet with Sandra on a cold wintery day. We were informed that the Food Bank serves more than 100 people a day, a significant increase from the 70-80 served last year. They also serve local non-profit organizations to provide food provisions. Currently, they assist 22 non-profit organizations, with plans to expand to 30 next month. These organizations vary in size, some as large as 100 people and others who are much smaller. The food bank operation relies on the help of numerous volunteers who collect, sort, and distribute the food.

Initially, Sandra mentioned the need for heaters in their warehouse, which was very cold during the winter. However, by our next visit, they had relocated to a warmer facility. Yet, this new location lacked a large walk-in refrigerator to store donated meats and dairy from nearby grocery stores, which is crucial for their food supply. They also receive surplus vegetables from farmers, including potatoes, beets, and root crops.

On the first Wednesday of the month, Maisto Bankas distributes food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel due to its central location. Young missionaries and community volunteers assist with food distribution and sorting inside the church's entrance.

Volunteers from the community come to assist in the food distribution food just inside the church's entrance and help with the handling, carrying, and sorting of food boxes.

Sandra expressed her enthusiasm about the church's donation of a walk-in refrigerator to their facility, recognizing its critical role in accepting and storing perishable items like butter, cheese, milk, and meats, which are highly desired by those they serve. This generous donation from the church significantly contributes to Maisto Bankas's efforts to feed the less fortunate in her community.