Food pantry important this time of year, always

    In three weeks, most Americans will be sitting around a table celebrating Thanksgiving. Sitting around a table means food. Just like the first Thanksgiving. The holiday originated as a harvest festival. The Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated the Pilgrims’ first harvest in the New World with a dinner in October 1621.
    While most Americans are lucky to have enough to eat at Thanksgiving, some are in need.
    That’s where the Chase County Food Pantry enters the scene.
    The food pantry is operated by volunteers from various churches. The pantry originated through the Chase County Ministerial Association but is now a separate entity.
    It is open to “anyone who is in need,” according to Director Nancy Terryberry. “You have to come in and say you need food.”
    A family may pick up food once a month.
    During this time of COVID-19 concerns, the pantry is open from 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays in the Imperial City Gym. Normally the pantry is open twice a week.
    “We’re waiting for COVID to go away,” Terryberry said, adding that she wants to be sure both volunteers and clients are kept safe by minimum contact.
    She doesn’t know why but said, “People don’t seem to be using it as much. I don’t know if they’re afraid or what the deal is.”
    The shelves at the pantry are fairly full now, as items have been purchased with donated money. Terryberry said that not many food donations have been received lately. Anyone wishing to donate may contact her at 308-882-8019 or drop items off at the city offices.

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