By Tom Spalding, Communications Volunteer
One of the biggest fans of Boulevard Place Food Pantry also lives 1,000 miles away, so when Ellen Storeim was in Indianapolis this March to attend a family function, the timing worked out perfectly for an impromptu in-person visit. With significantly more customers now coming through our doors monthly in 2025, the visit was also mission critical.
Ellen, a graphic designer from Evergreen, Colorado, contributes her varied multimedia talents to the Pantry on a pro-bono basis. She got to volunteer on a recent, busy, in-person Thursday during the morning shopping shift. That time allowed Ellen to boost her understanding of the Pantry’s compassionate mission, meet with several regular volunteers, and see our bustling client waiting area. Ellen also was able to assess how information displayed in our shopping area could be optimized to make client visits easier.
Although our board of directors initially met Ellen remotely, not many were aware that she is a creative contributor to our Pantry’s marketing and communications. Like many of the Pantry’s important roles — such as maintenance, cleaning, bookkeeping, plant watering, warehouse labor, and so forth — she is an ongoing service provider at no cost to the Pantry nor the Indianapolis chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of which we are a special work.
A book editor and award-winning graphic designer, Ellen has participated in content decisions for our annual reports, brochures, and our merchandise. She collaborates with her brother (me), a Pantry board member and communications coordinator.
During her visit she got to see volunteers wear the branded gear that she designed, including the logo.
She also spoke to longtime volunteer Phyllis McNamara at the check-in desk, and assisted shoppers as they brought groceries to their cars. It provided a short but immersive experience that illustrated what our volunteers experience multiple days a week.
Households served in March 2025 were 1,457 (representing 4,858 individuals) and in April 2025 it was 1,606 (representing 5,584 individuals). April 2025 was the second highest clients-served month in our 43-year history.
Our counts have been steadily climbing in 2025 after federal regulations changed that now require food pantries to serve anyone in need. We are still learning how the regulations will impact demand, which continues to rise. Part of our adjustment includes improving how we communicate most effectively to the people coming through our doors and to the people who have long supported our mission.
