The Corona virus has affected almost everything and everybody in one way or another and that is true with God’s Food Pantry as well.
God’s Food Pantry has been in operation for over 25 years and last year presented 3,697 boxes of food to families that included 9315 people. However, this year with the virus and its fallout, the Pantry’s experience has been very different due to unique challenges brought on by the virus shut-downs.
The Pantry relies on about 25 volunteers to cover the 3 days of operation that usually takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The volunteers (mostly retirees) are all on the plus side of 60 years of age. Therefore when the mandate of the Governor and the regulations of the CDC called for anyone over 65 to stay at home, the pantry’s volunteers were mostly put on homebound restrictions. In turn, the Pantry was left with very few workers. John Veigel, volunteer and director, worked overtime and extra days in attempt to keep regular hours. But after several weeks, the Pantry had to cut its hours. Not only were hours cut, but without the many faithful volunteers, the days of services were also cut.
For several days during the last few months, the Pantry was unable to open its doors. Anita Hardy, Pantry Board Member and volunteer said, “We have got to have more workers especially abled bodied men”. Veigel makes daily trips to pick up donations and bring them back to the pantry. Kathy Hammond, also a volunteer and Board Member said, “We have got to get more help to keep the Pantry providing the quality and amount of food we want to offer the people of Russell County”.
With the extra effort of daily pick-ups, the pantry is able to offer along with canned goods, 2 to 3 types of meats, bread, fresh fruits, pastries and desserts.
If anyone would be interested in helping with the work of the Pantry, please contact John Veigel at 859-421-1240.
Submitted by: Tony Stephens / Cross Creek Church
270-866-0322
