The food pantry in Jefferson continues to see high numbers of people needing help.

Greene County Action Resource Center Manager Shirley Haupert tells Raccoon Valley Radio, they still see an average of 35-45 families per week at the food pantry, including serving 45 families last week. Haupert says along with that increase, are constantly seeing new families, and even bigger numbers of families. The clients that use the food pantry, must be registered with Greene County New Opportunities.

“And the thing that we’re seeing is these people, they stick around for a while and then we don’t see them again. So I don’t know what’s happening here in Greene County, whether they’ve find employment and are sticking around or they’re staying with relatives. But we help them however we can and then they’re gone.”  

She notes that the average monthly cost for food is $2,800 and that includes the Food Bank of Iowa deliveries twice per month, as well as purchasing locally from Fareway and Hy-Vee. Haupert points out the staple foods that are always needed are canned pork and beans, chili beans, bread and peanut butter. She says personal care products are also needed such as shampoo, toothpaste and bar soap. 

Food and monetary donations can be made anytime to the food pantry by calling 515-386-8262 or when the pantry is open on Wednesdays from 8:30-11am. The Greene County ARC is located at 1006 North Vine Street.