‘Shelves were empty again’

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

A photo of empty shelves at Marion County Food Bank posted Monday morning by Pastor Jeremiah Lange brought a quick response, and soon shelves were stocked again.

“That’s the way it goes,” board chairman Gerry Henderson said. “Jeremiah was right at the moment, but then it changed, but after our neighbors went through, shelves were empty again.”

Continuous contributions are required to keep a supply on hand. Monetary donations are used to purchase sale items at Carlsons’ Grocery. Wichita Food Bank makes regular food contributions. Some farmers have donated beef.

Churches throughout the county provide donations on a regular basis, including Lutheran churches in Lincolnville and Tampa and Strassburg Baptist Church.

“People from every community in the county need and use the food bank, so churches contribute,” Henderson said.

The items most in demand are peanut butter, pasta sauce, canned pasta, and macaroni and cheese. Family members whose parents work during meal hours can use these items to feed themselves.

Henderson said there are many reasons that people may need the food bank: a senior citizen with an unexpected expense, someone with a part-time job or earning the minimum wage, or someone who is temporarily out of work, to name a few.

The food bank is planning to launch a new food drive beginning with the Oct. 20 football game between Marion and Hillsboro. Teachers, students, and parents will be asked to contribute.

The food bank is open from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.

“If you have a need, come see us,” Henderson said. “We cannot be the sole provider, but we can fill in the gaps.”