WAYNE – Food-insecure individuals and families in Wayne county along with surrounding communities will be able to benefit from the monthly food pantry truck which is scheduled to be in town this weekend.
Distribution of the drive-up mobile pantry will be at Journey Christian Church (1110 East 7th Street) on Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m. Those wishing to get food from the food truck need to arrive by 9:30 a.m. to receive a number and assure they get food. The church building will not be open as those needing food will be asked to remain in their vehicle.
All food will arrive pre-boxed and be distributed in the church parking lot via drive-thru as 96 community packs will be available. They include 28-pound prepackaged boxes filled with a variety of nonperishable staple items like peanut butter, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables. Boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program will also be offered.
From March 15 to June 30, 2020, Food Bank for the Heartland distributed 7,510,900 meals to children, families and seniors in the Heartland facing hunger and 11,633,012 meals when including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is a 61% percent increase over the average number of meals distributed during the same period in 2018 and 2019.
Individuals and families coming to the mobile pantry should stay in their vehicles. Volunteers will help direct traffic and load the food for them as there are no requirements to attend.
There are also jobs for people of all physical abilities as this is a great opportunity to help others in the community. For questions regarding distribution, contact First United Methodist Church at 402-375-2231.
The Wayne Food Pantry is also open to Wayne county residents by appointment only. Plan on calling 402-375-2669 during their office hours between 9 a.m. – noon Tuesday through Friday.
Like the Wayne Food Pantry & School Backpack Program on Facebook for upcoming events as a recent post from earlier this month reminded students enrolled may continue to pick up their food backpacks one time per week at the Jr/Sr High School office during their open house even though the school lunches are over for the summer.
The Wayne food pantry can be found inside First Presbyterian Church, located at 216 West 3rd Street. When the food truck is not in town, other non-perishable food items may be picked up/dropped off at First Presbyterian Church or donations can be left at either Pac N Save or Quality Foods in Wayne.
Call the church office at 402-375-2669 or email fpcwayne@gmail.com in advance if you need assistance. All inquiries are confidential.
Those eligible to be served must be a resident of Wayne county, must have a photo ID, provide proof of address in Wayne county and will receive food up to three times each year.