Demand at food banks rises during pandemic

By Amanda Duncan
news@wood.cm
Posted 4/15/20

With the coronavirus keeping families home from work and children home from school, families are preparing even more meals with less income.

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Demand at food banks rises during pandemic

Posted

With the coronavirus keeping families home from work and children home from school, families are preparing even more meals with less income.

The demand on local food banks has significantly increased, but supply is limited. They are doing their best to meet the needs of local residents.

The Mineola Kindness Kottage usually operates its food bank from money made through shopping and donations. However, since it is not considered an essential business, the storefront is closed. 

The Kindness Kottage food bank will still serve food for as long as it can. 

Executive Director B.J. Gold said from mid-March through the end of March, they had what she calls, a panic increase of about 15 clients a day, but it seems that people are finding their new normal.

“Word is out that we’re still here and serving, and people are continuing to donate. We will walk in faith and believe that God will keep us open,” said Gold.

The Kindness Kottage food bank is working with a skeleton crew and taking safeguards to limit exposure. The doors are locked and appointments can be made by calling 903-569-9197. Service times are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church is still operating its food bank on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 and on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m.

They are taking extra precautions by wearing masks and gloves and operating as a drive-through with recipients staying in their vehicles.

Pastor Jeff Thompson said the church has a great group of volunteers who are still putting together as much food as they can.

“These are tough times for all. We hope these situations will be over soon.”

Mineola Meals on Wheels is continuing to deliver meals to the elderly and shut-in but has reduced delivery to only two days a week to limit contact and keep recipients safe. They always need volunteers to help deliver.

Steve Ogueri, executive director of Bread of Life Food Ministry located at 1001 E. McDonald, said they are seeing a hectic increase in needs with people calling every day asking for food. 

“We help as much as we can. We can’t solve all their problems, but we do what we can,” he said. “We need more donations and help to buy food though.”

The pantry is open on the first and third Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. They have asked people to stay in their cars and allow only one person in at a time to pick up their box of shelf-stable food and pick out their meat and produce. To get information on how to get help or to make a donation, contact Ogueri at 903-405-0064.

Precinct Two Justice of the Peace Janae Holland operates a small food pantry at 716 Greenville Highway for anyone in desperate need. Call 903-569-3802 from 8-10 a.m. to inquire about help.

Quitman Mercy Mall had its last distribution on April 4.

“I’m waiting to see how well things clear up this month,” said Executive Director Janet Toto. They hope to reopen in May.