The First Lutheran Food Pantry in Clarion has been beyond busy these last several months as food need continues to be a concern, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The organization Feeding America estimates that 50 million people may experience hunger because of COVID-19 which has resulted in a 60% increase in the number of people seeking help from food banks. The local food pantry has worked in creative ways to fulfill that need in the Clarion area. Now, they are implementing another way to help a particularly vulnerable group. Starting in 2021, they will begin offering free monthly homebound senior food pantry delivery in Clarion.
First Lutheran Food Pantry Director Hannah Johnson says they are pleased to be able to offer this service. She notes that it has become something that is much needed in the area. “We see a significant number of individuals who would strongly benefit from a hand-up from the Food Pantry,” Johnson said. “But, due to health circumstances or accessibility issues, they cannot get to the Food Pantry.”
Johnson outlined who qualifies and how to apply for this confidential service. Frail, homebound or isolated individuals who are age 60 and above can sign up. Participants must be located in Clarion. Seniors who are interested or have questions can email flcfoodpantry@outlook.com or call 515-835-3185. Deliveries are planned for Sundays, once a month, starting in January of 2021.
The food pantry will also be needing help to run this service. Johnson says that people interested in volunteering to help with the homebound program can sign-up at volunteersignup.org/8KYEE or get to the link through the pantry’s website- flcfoodpantry.com
Ultimately, Johnson is excited about the prospect of helping people with their food needs in a new way. “Nutritional well-being plays a vital role in overall health and the quality of your life,” she emphasizes.
Down the road, the pantry is also looking forward to other significant events coming up next year. They have already scheduled their Spring & Fall 2021 FREE Garage Sales. The dates are March 19 – 21, 2021 (9am – 5pm) and September 3 – 5, 2021 (9am – 5pm).
The First Lutheran Food Pantry is located at 420 1st St. NW in Clarion. They are open Thursday 5-7 pm & Saturday 9 – 11 am. Anyone is welcome and there are no requirements.
