Economic factors are continuing to impact different areas, including local food pantries that are seeing increased numbers of individuals. 

The Tyson Pork Plant is shutting down at the end of June in Perry and Perry Food Pantry Manager Lou Hoger is seeing an influx of customers. He attributes that more to the long term effects of inflation on the economy than Tyson. 

“I think the buying power of the earned dollar, especially for those who might be underemployed, working minimum wage, or not far above minimum wage. I think in some circumstances, it’s one spouse who might lose employment, but not necessarily related to Tyson.”

Hoger mentions that although he’s unsure of how many customers are a result of Tyson’s planned closure, he confirms that more people are stopping in that haven’t been in over a year.