More Residents Turning to Clark County Food Pantry Amid Rising Need

By Emily Bontrager

As the federal government shutdown continues, families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are facing uncertainty, and local food pantries are preparing for increased demand.

At the Clark County Food Pantry, volunteers say they are already seeing more residents seeking help.

“Normally, a busy day means we serve around 10 to 15 people,” said volunteer Jessica Saunders, who has helped at the pantry for four years. “But we recently served around 30.”

To support the growing number of households, the pantry has increased the amount of food each family receives.

“People have to realize, when you come to the food pantry, it’s meant to be supplemental, just a few things to get you through,” Saunders said. “But we’ve increased the food amount. We’ve doubled it.”

The pantry has also added an extra gallon of milk and an extra loaf of bread per household.

“The Ministerial Alliance pays for vouchers for milk, bread, eggs, and margarine, except we pay for the 60 and over,” said volunteer Jeannie Ray, who has been involved with the pantry for nearly a decade. “And we’re paying for the extra items to give to people.”

Ray noted that the pantry operates entirely on donations and community support.

“We don’t get any government help,” she said. “It’s just from the generous people of this county.”

Even with preparation, some shelves are beginning to thin as demand grows.

“We shopped to try to get ahead, and we are already seeing some bare shelves,” Ray said.

One of the pantry’s ongoing concerns is maintaining an adequate supply of meat.

“We get two hogs from Phillips Farms, and we pay for the processing. Phillips Farms has been very generous,” Ray said.

“If people want to donate meat, we will not turn it away,” Saunders added. “Meat is going to be one of our long-term concerns.”

Volunteers say many of those seeking assistance are seniors.

“We have more people over the age of 60 than we do families with young children,” Saunders said.

Still, she emphasized that the pantry serves everyone who needs help.

“I hope the families who are affected by changes to SNAP will come see us,” she said. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Food is a need. If somebody needs food, you can come to the food pantry and see us.”

The pantry expressed deep gratitude for recent donations from schools, 4-H clubs, churches, businesses, and community organizations.

“God does work miracles,” Ray said. “I believe this was His way of letting us build up our funds so that we have the means to feed the community. We don’t want kids to go to bed hungry.”

“It’s incredible to see what this community can do,” Saunders added.

The Clark County Food Pantry operates Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Those seeking assistance must show ID and proof of Clark County residency and may visit once a month. Appointments are available for those who cannot visit during regular hours.

“If you are working and cannot get to the food pantry, contact us and we’ll schedule an appointment,” Saunders said. “We want people to reach out. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Anyone wanting to give donations can contact: Jessica Saunders: 660-956-6242 or Jeannie Ray: 319- 795-1223. Volunteers are also needed at the food pantry. One of the main donations needed right now is meat. The pantry is located in the alley behind H&M Antiques in Kahoka.

“We’ve all struggled in different aspects,” Saunders said. “That’s why we’re here. If one thing can come of this interview today, I just want people to come in. Call for an appointment if you have to. We’ll do whatever we have to do to help.”