Food pantry continues to serve county as need increases

The Madison County Food Pantry has seen an increase in families since its board of directors took over, and the need to help is still growing.

Board Member Pat Leonard said the East Missouri Action Agency opened the food pantry 25 years ago and the board took over 10 years ago.

“In the 10 years since we took over the number of families we serve has tripled. We are up to about 400 families or about 800 individuals each month,” said Leonard.

“We receive government commodities to hand out to families, but that doesn’t begin to cover the month,” said Karen Fulton, board member. “So we buy items and receive a lot of donations to help. We purchase a lot of items that are comparable to the commodities.”

Fulton said the food pantry tries to provide a balanced diet throughout the month and has been fortunate enough to be able to give families at least three meats, fruits, vegetables, breads and cereal.

Fulton said, “We are a supplement to their monthly groceries.”

Leonard said families don’t have to have a referral to receive food, but the board goes by the SEMO Food Bank guidelines.

“If someone wants food, but doesn’t qualify we can give them donated or purchased items but, not the government items,” said Fulton.

Leonard said, “They also must be Madison County residents in order to receive food.”

Fulton said, “A lot of our families are senior citizens. We have some who are younger and they come and go because they are able to get back on their feet. But the senior citizens are more constant because they are on a fixed income.”

Leonard said in the summer they receive a lot of fresh garden vegetables from local residents, who drop them off at the door.

“Everyone donates what they can to help out. We have a lot of help from churches, businesses, organizations, schools and others,” said Fulton.

Fulton added, if anyone would like to make any non-perishable or monetary donations contact a Madison County Food Pantry Board Member.

Board Member Floyd Faulkner said, “We had a young lady come in not long ago who goes to MAC and wanted to volunteer. She comes in on Tuesday mornings to help.”

The group said they have some who have received food in the past and once they have gotten back on their feet, come back to volunteer. They also have some kids in the summer who come in and help out.  

“It’s been a joy. I look forward to donating my time,” said Walt Eckert, volunteer. “I remember one time I had a man come in to pick up food and he had to leave and didn’t come right back. Karen finally asked me and another volunteer to go to the apartment to check on him and she called and told us he came back before we could reach him. When we got back he was glad someone cared enough to check on him. He said he was from New York City, and no one would have cared there.”

Board Member Sharon Keith said “We thank those who help us, who need our help.”

Faulkner said, “It is a blessing to have such wonderful volunteers and people who support us. We are grateful.”

Fulton said the food pantry had to move locations after the inland hurricane in 2009.

Fulton said, “We were on Chamber Drive and the storm blew the roof off. I ran in grabbed the computer and what I could and locked the door. We were able to store food at Black River Electric and served food out of St. Michael until we found the new location, which is where we are now. The food bank gave us extra food and water to hand out and some Army packs of food. We are grateful for all the help we receive.”

Leonard said the board heard about a location, which had more space and was a blessing.

Fulton said if a family needs assistance and the Madison County Food Pantry is closed they can contact the Madison County Health Department at 783-2747.

Fulton said the Madison County Food Pantry will be donating an item to this year’s Feed the Families Bake Sale.

“Our volunteer’s support the bake sale through their churches but as a food pantry we donate a silent auction item,” said Fulton.

The Madison County Food Pantry is open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Madison County Food Pantry is located at 715 Star Lane, Fredericktown.

The Madison County Feed the Families Bake Sale will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 5, at Fredericktown High School. Doors open at 8 a.m. for those who want breakfast.

Proceeds from the bake sale, silent auction, live auction, and “Cookin’ Clergy” contest are divided among the Madison County Food Pantry, Harvest of Hope, and Faith Family Worship Center food pantries.

For more information on the Madison County Feed the Families Bake Sale contact Teri Moss at 783-9621.