April Newsletter-Eastern Star JEWEL Human Services
Care Center Food Pantry
Welcome to the ESC Care Center Food Pantry!
We provide compassionate support to our community through services such as food assistance.
Our mission is to provide our local and world communities natural and spiritual resources that reflect the compassion of Christ through outreach and missions.
UPCOMING DISTRIBUTION DATES:
April & May 2026
Mondays 2:00p – 4:30p April 13th, April 20th, April 27th, & May 4th - OPEN
Tuesdays 10:00a – 12:30p April 14th, April 21st, April 28th & May 5th - OPEN
Fridays 2:00p – 4:30p April 17th, April 24th, May 1st & May 8th – OPEN
PANTRY TIP:
Food Date Labels: What Do They Really Mean?
“Sell By,” “Use By,” “Best By” or “Best If Used By”? These food date labels can be confusing. Many people think the food is not safe after that date but that is not always true. Find out what they really mean so you can make smart choices and waste less food!
“Sell By” Date
The “Sell By” date is meant for stores, not shoppers. It lets the store know how long to keep the food product on the shelf. You can still eat or drink products after the “Sell By” date, as long as it has been stored the right way. For example, milk may still be good for several days after the “Sell By” date. Always use your senses, if it smells bad or the taste is off, toss it.
“Best By” or “Best If Used By” Date
This date is about quality, not safety. It tells you when the food will taste its best. After this date, the food might not be as fresh or flavorful, but it is often still safe to eat. For example, chips may lose their crunch, or cereal may not taste as fresh, but they are usually still okay to eat if the date has just recently passed. Always store pantry items in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer. PRO TIP: Make stale chips and crackers crunchy again by baking them in the oven laid flat on a baking sheet at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
“Use By” Date
The “Use By” date is often found on foods that can spoil quickly, like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat meals. This date tells you the last day the product is expected to be of the best quality and safest to eat. Product dating is voluntary for food manufacturers (except baby formula), but many choose to include it for quality assurance. After this date, it is better to be your own judge. If the food has a bad smell, looks strange, or has been stored too long, it’s safest to throw it away.
ROCK URBAN FARM
Do you have a “green thumb” or just like to be outside in nature? Consider joining and being a part of our ROCK Urban Farm volunteers. Planting season begins in May, but some bed preparation will start in April. Our volunteers normally meet one time per week on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If interested in volunteering, please e-mail Veronica Collins-Kelly at vkelly@easternstarchurch.org.