In order to make the food assistance program safer and more simple for those in need, the Perry Area Food Pantry is now offering a “Surrogate Shopper” program.

Site Manager Lou Hoger says the service is designed to better accommodate their homebound clients, as it’s unsafe for many of them to venture out due to the COVID-19 spread. Through the program, the surrogate shopper will pick items for the patron based on a wishlist, and will then deliver it to their home within the next day. The volunteer will collect the needed food assistance paperwork upon delivery and return it to the pantry. Hoger says their first priority is to keep people safe from coronavirus, but they also want to make sure everyone is getting the assistance they need.

Anyone requesting a surrogate shopper should contact Hoger at 515-570-2975 for more information. He also reminds people that when coming to the pantry location at the old Rowley Masonic building on Willis Avenue, they will not be allowed inside. Instead, volunteers will fill the order and bring it outside.