A time for thanks, giving at food pantry

As the holiday reminds, this is a time for thanks and for giving.

“We’re thankful for many things,” John Jackman, president of the Putnam County Food Pantry, says. “We’re thankful for the generosity of the people of Putnam County, who have supported the food pantry with both monetary and food gifts throughout the years.”

The pantry depends almost entirely on private gifts to keep its shelves stocked and its doors open. “We could not continue operating without those gifts,” he adds.

The pantry is also thankful for its all-volunteer staff.

“What many of our clients don’t realize is that every person who works here is an unpaid volunteer,” Jackman said. “Again, we couldn’t keep our doors open without them.”

And keeping the doors open is a greater challenge than ever. Food prices have risen dramatically in the past two years. As inflation eats away at buying power, a growing number of Putnam County residents turns to the pantry for help.

During the first half of this year, there were more than 1,400 household visits to the pantry, and it distributed more than 41,000 meals. New households are added to the list of food recipients each week.

“So as people plan their holiday gift-giving this year, we want to remind them that the food pantry’s need is never-ending,” Jackman concluded. “Please keep us in mind, and in your hearts, during this season of giving.”

Gifts can be made directly to the pantry at 309 E. Franklin St. in Greencastle during its regular hours, Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Monetary gifts can be mailed to the pantry at P. O. Box 423, Greencastle, IN 46135.

County residents in need can pick up food at the Franklin Street address on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.