CUPBOARD NEARLY BARE AT JACKSON FOOD PANTRY

JACKSON -- The kitty is empty and the shelves need supplies at the Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. The Rev. Scott Lohse, pastor of New McKendree United Methodist Church, said cash and food donations are needed immediately.

"It's always a hard time of the year for some families when the children are home all summer," said Lohse. "There is a greater demand for food."

He said the food pantry has to stretch its food at this time of the year because children are at home all summer and do not have the benefit of school food programs.

The pantry, which is located at 225 S. High St. in Cox Memorial Hall is operated by a staff of 35 volunteers from eight ocal churches in the alliance. Donations of cash, food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items are vital to the support of the program.

Lohse said the food pantry has been operational since the late 1800s.

The pantry was small until it became a communitywide project. Last year the church purchased the old city hall, which allowed the program to expand its supplies.

Lohse said many people use the pantry, but he said he sees single moms using the pantry the most.

"It's hard having kids at home in the summer," he said. "I know it's hard just to feed my three children. Single moms have a hard time making ends meet."

Lohse said national statistics show children are hit the hardest by poverty and feels it is not different for those in the Jackson area.

"We have at least one family a day and around 14 to 15 families a month that use our pantry," he said.

Anyone who can show a need may use the pantry once a month.

Lohse said the food pantry program attempts to help those who need to stretch their food stamps just a little further each month.

Sometimes those who come for food may need just a little extra help.

"The volunteers try to outreach to each family," said Lohse. Volunteers may offer a cooked meal or may follow-up with help for a family in a difficult situation.

The pantry is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone in Jackson or outlying smaller communities may use the assistance.

Canned meat products, dry cereal , fruit juice, pancake mix and syrup, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, corn muffin mix, biscuit mix, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, and small cash donations are currently needed the most.

Donations may be dropped off at the New McKendree United Church Office or call Pastor Richard Northcutt, pantry coordinator at 243-8487.