Ruth Stephenson of the Lohrville Food Pantry is reaching out for financial assistance to help feed the needy in Calhoun County. She said there are many seniors and single mothers who need assistance in making their monthly income stretch to cover their living expenses and several local food pantries have limitations to the number of times per year and the amount of food that can be received per household. Recently, the Red Cross contacted Stephenson, asking to list the Lohrville Food Pantry as an assistance site in the event of a disaster. The pantry is partnering with the Iowa Food Bank in Des Moines, which will enable them to bring in foods, including meat, for a handling fee of 15 cents per pound, and allowing them to serve residents in communities where a food pantry is not present. In addition, Stephenson received a donation from Walmart to help with fresh produce production in a two-acre garden. The vegetables raised that were not given to patrons were made available to residents for a free-will donation, which raised $3,000 to supplement the pantry in other food categories. Stephenson said demand is increasing rapidly and there is a need right now of an additional $3,000 to $4,000 to get them through the winter months until they can begin growing fresh garden produce again. For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Stephenson at 712-465-5090.
