Photo courtesy of HIRTA

A reminder for those in the Perry community who could use food assistance: there are free rides available to and from the Perry Area Food Pantry.

Heart of Iowa Regional Transportation Authority (HIRTA) provides a free shuttle from anywhere in Perry or the surrounding area to the food pantry during its hours of operation. The service is open to people of any age, including those with disabilities. Perry Area Food Pantry Site Manager Lou Hoger encourages people to utilize the shuttle, especially if transportation is standing in their way of getting help.

Hoger also points out that pride can sometimes hinder people from taking advantage of food assistance, so he advises the community that there’s no shame in getting help. “I do want our people to be reminded that we are there to serve them. I know from some of my other responsibilities that we have some older folks, for example, who are struggling to make it go on that limited Social Security income. They need not be embarrassed to come to the Perry Area Food Pantry for some assistance. And people are able to come one time per month, any time during the month, and so we welcome those who would have that need.”

The food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. It’s located at the Rowley Masonic Community facility in Perry, with the entrance along Willis Avenue. Anyone wanting to schedule a ride to the pantry through HIRTA can contact them by phone at 877-686-0029 or by email at erides@ridehirta.com. You can also click the first link below to visit their website. To learn more about the Perry Area Food Pantry, click the second link below to listen to the Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Hoger.

http://www.hirtapublictransit.com
https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/01/29/lets-talk-dallas-county-1-29-2020-lou-hoger/