The local FISH food program has moved operations to a larger pantry at 106 S. Sprigg.

"We officially began operations out of here Monday," said Gil Degenhardt, public relations chairman for FISH.

FISH is an interdenominational community service project. The program provides food, assistance with utility payments, transportation, and medication to people in need.

The pantry previously was at the Maple Avenue Methodist Church.

Degenhardt said the move has been considered for several years.

"We were interested in finding a location with more room," he said. "We needed more space and freedom to operate, particularly when we have a heavy flow of donations. We have had to stake out supplies at other locations. Now we think we will be able to handle that."

Also, he said, the organization was interested in a location not associated with a particular denomination.

"We are supported by the churches, various churches, by businesses and individuals and organizations," he said. "We were interested in a place recognizable as belonging to the FISH organization."

In addition to more room to store food items, Degenhardt said the new location gives telephone volunteers an added option.

"Previously our telephone people had to work from their homes," he explained. "Now we are able to locate them, if they want, right in the pantry itself." Volunteers may also work from their homes if they choose.

The new location will cost more to operate, Degenhardt said.

For the 1992 fiscal year, FISH helped 1,071 families representing 2,847 people; 3,574 bags of food were given; 236 people received help with utility payments; 64 people received help with transportation; and 30 new clients were added to the rolls.

Donations of money or food items are accepted. Especially needed are canned meats and dry staples like pasta and macaroni-and-cheese.

Contributions may be mailed to FISH, P.O. Box 327, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702. People needing assistance may call the FISH line at 334-0207.