Perry Food Pantry Manager Lou Hoger addresses the increased activity at the organization with Tyson Foods shutting down operations on Friday.

Hoger details that there’s been an increase in customer production at the food pantry but exemplifies that there’s an influx of people on a Thursday afternoon compared to a Tuesday morning. Hoger explains that he has heard that with the closing of Tyson, some families are leaving the area, while others are staying. He emphasizes that the future of the pantry following the closure is unclear.

“There may be a couple who were working at Tyson, who might’ve found other employment in other places. They might not be receiving the same compensation and benefits. They may end up needing to use the pantry when they didn’t use the pantry before.”

Hoger references the older employees working at Tyson that may be needing Medicare and forces them to resort to the food pantry. He indicates the biggest needs currently for the pantry include one pound bags of rice, personal hygiene items, and hamburger, chicken, and tuna helpers. The Perry Food Pantry is open Tuesdays 10am-12:30pm and Thursdays 3-6pm, and is located at 3112 Willis Ave, in Perry.