Perkins County Food Pantry seeks community support as shelves run low

By Samantha Goff

Grant Tribune Sentinel

The Perkins County Ministerial Association is asking area residents to help restock the Perkins County Food Pantry as supplies have reached critically low levels.

According to organizers, the pantry serves local families who occasionally need assistance stretching their grocery budgets. With demand continuing, volunteers say the pantry is in urgent need of donations to ensure food remains available for those facing difficult times.

“Our local food pantry needs your help,” the association said in a public appeal. “Many people depend on our local food pantry to help subsidize their families’ food from time to time. We are dangerously low and need the community’s help in restocking it.”

The pantry is requesting a wide variety of nonperishable food items, including pasta, spaghetti sauce, Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, ramen noodles, canned tuna, cereal, SpaghettiOs, ravioli, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, gravy packets, pancake mix, syrup, canned chili, soup, crackers, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, popcorn, muffin mix and cake mix.

Household essentials are also needed, including toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues.

In addition to shelf-stable items, the pantry is accepting donations of frozen foods such as 1-pound chubs of ground beef, frozen dinners, frozen vegetables and other perishable items. Those wishing to donate perishable foods are asked to call 308-352-4274 to make arrangements.

Organizers encourage donors to provide quality, unopened food that is within its expiration date.

“Let’s be a blessing and provide quality, in-date food that your family enjoys for those in need,” the association said.

Donations may be dropped off at any local church in Perkins County or placed in the collection bin located in the foyer at Hatch’s.

The Perkins County Food Pantry is operated through the Perkins County Ministerial Association and relies heavily on community generosity to serve local residents throughout the year.

As grocery prices continue to place pressure on many household budgets, organizers say every donation,whether a single can of soup, a package of pasta or a monetary contribution, helps ensure neighbors in need have access to nutritious food.

Residents who prefer to give financially may also make monetary donations to support the pantry’s ongoing mission.

“We thank you for helping make a difference for our local community,” organizers said.