Jefferson’s food pantry continues to see a high number of people in need.
Shirley Haupert, manager of the Greene County Action Resource Center, told Raccoon Valley Radio that the food pantry averages 35 to 45 families coming through each week, and last week served meals to 45 families. Haupert said with this increase, new families are constantly coming through and the number of families is growing. Clients who use the food pantry must register with Greene County New Opportunities.
“And what we’re seeing is these people stay here for a while and then we never see them again. So we don’t know what’s going on here in Greene County, if they find work and stay here or if they stay with relatives, but we help them as much as we can, but then they go away.”
She said the average monthly expense for food is $2,800, which includes twice-monthly deliveries from the Food Bank of Iowa and purchases from the local Fairway and Hy-Vee. Haupert noted staples that are always needed are canned pork and beans, chili beans, bread and peanut butter. Personal care products such as shampoo, toothpaste and bar soap are also needed, she said.
Food and monetary donations can be made by calling 515-386-8262 or any time the food pantry is open every Wednesday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The Greene County ARC is located at 1006 North Vine Street.
