Tucked in the back of Columbia United Methodist Church’s parking lot is a small building that makes a big difference for the citizens of Adair County.
The Adair County Food Pantry at 203 S. Monroe St. provides food for any resident in need every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Director Michelle Fruth and other volunteers work tirelessly to ensure food is available for as many families as possible year-round. During the holidays, there is a slight increase in the number of families needing assistance. However, many households experience food insecurity throughout the year.
Partnering with Feeding America, Fruth said some of the food provided is free, and some must be purchased. They also must pay shipping fees on all food received from Feeding America.
“Our other main contributors are our local Walmart and our local Dollar Generals,” said Fruth. “Walmart probably provides half of the food we give out.”
She said Walmart provides frozen breads, frozen desserts, deli items and frozen meat, while Dollar General donates milk products.
Each box gets two bags of canned items, which include canned vegetables, fruit, meat and pasta provided by Feeding America. They also try to include bread, dessert, a frozen meat item and something from the deli. Walmart also donates many boxes of fruits and vegetables that are added when available.
“We try to give out everything that Walmart gives every week,” said Fruth. “We restock from Walmart and Dollar General twice a week.”
Fruth runs two programs through Feeding America. For one, she can pick from a list of food items that would be most useful for the pantry and pay only shipping fees.
The second program is called commodities, which is available once a month for qualified individuals age 60 and older. This program is provided free by Feeding America and requires an application process and includes a waiting list.
November was a record-breaking month for the food pantry, which helped 389 families. The most they had helped in one month previously was 352 families. The influx was due in part to the government shutdown and the possibility of SNAP benefits not being issued.
The food pantry welcomes monetary donations as well as nonperishable items.
“We have bills. We pay for all of our utilities, and having 14 freezers can get a little expensive,” said Fruth.
All donations are tax-deductible.
While delivery is not available, there is a form that can be filled out to allow someone else to pick up for those who cannot make it to the pantry.
Volunteer Richard Phelps explained the Beef Up Adair Program through the Adair County Cattlemen’s Association. Phelps said that this program has been such a blessing. If a farmer has a cow that breaks a leg or has to be put down for anything except medical reasons, the cow is donated. Hometown Butcher partners with the pantry and discounts the processing cost and processes two-pound rolls of ground beef.
They also receive venison from Hunters for the Hungry. Deer hunters donate their kill and it is processed into ground venison for the pantry.
“We are proud to be able to help our community. We are proud of what we do,” said Fruth. “I am so proud of my volunteers. I have such a wonderful group of people helping out.”
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
