Food pantries across the Upper Cumberland concerned about what might happen this fall after UCHRA outsources its food commodity program.
God’s Food Pantry Director Pat Zornow said in years past, UCHRA would send many people in need of food to the Smithville facility. Zornow said she is concerned that UCHRA’s transition might drastically impact their work.
“I know the elderly people that go there and families in need, they are really in need,” Zornow said. “And when they cut that out, there is gonna be an increase as far as the quantity of food that we are gonna be providing to the community at large.”
Van Buren Food Outreach Director Kevin Bivens said UCHRA’s decision will greatly impact Van Buren County.
“It probably will because without that food, with that food going away, that program, then people will probably be relying on us, you know, food ministries,” Bivens said.
Zornow and Bivens said that they are already starting to see an influx of people who need food, likely due to inflationary pressures.
Zornow said UCHRA’s transition comes at a time when demand for food is higher than ever.
“It’s an ongoing crisis, and it’s gonna get worse,” Zornow said. “We’ve seen it, I’ve seen the change in the people as far as the clientele that come here and need assistance, and when we do emergencies, of course, it’s all confidential, but there’s a change, there’s more people coming. It’s an increase, and there is more needs.”
Bivens said he will serve people as long as he can get food from several companies. Zornow said God’s Food Pantry will need more donations now more than ever.
“We are 100 percent donations and we are 100 percent volunteers,” Zornow said. “And we are just hoping that the donations continue or increase so we can meet the needs of people that are in need. You know, I encourage people that are donors, etc. come on in and be a volunteer here. You will see what’s happening.”
Zornow said other local food pantries are faced with the same issues. Bivens said he encourages people to donate to local food pantries as they attempt to serve more people in need across the Upper Cumberland.
The current UCHRA food contract ends in September.
