Food pantries

Rising fuel prices, unemployment and the increase in summertime temperatures is causing more families to seek assistance from area food pantries, according to local food pantry organizers.

The Salvation Army food pantry provided 472 bags and 745 meals for people in April. In May they provided 524 bags and 968 meals. And this increasing trend is consistent with the demand on other food pantries in the area.

One pantry client, a 25-year-old mother of two, said she went from being a pantry supporter in the past to needing its support now because of the rising cost of living.

While the numbers are startling, area pantries, faith-based initiatives and programs through the Missouri Department of Agriculture such as the Grow & Give campaign, which encourages those with farms or gardens who have extra produce to donate to local food pantries, are stepping up to the plate to help meet the increasing number in need.

We applaud these individuals and groups involved in making sure that those most in need receive nourishment. And if you or a civic or church group you are associated with are looking for a way to get involved in the community and help others, supporting the local food pantries is a good place to start.