Food pantry gearing up for summer

By Myra Bean
The Panola County Food Pantry is gearing up for its biggest time of need, the summer season.
“Children can eat,” said Food Pantry manager Marie Leland.
Leland said many people believe winter is the busiest time for the Food Pantry, but she refutes that claim.
The Food Pantry receives frozen foods, canned goods and other non-perishable items from Performance Food Group, Walmart and Kroger.
She is especially thankful for their contributions, along with some churches and individuals who give cash donations to purchase necessary items.
However, some of the deep freezers and shelves are still empty and can use an infusion of food and clothing from the general public.
The Post Office will have its food drive on May 12, according to Leland. The Boy Scouts also conduct a drive each year that helps stock the shelves.
More and more people are calling on the Food Pantry for needs, according to Leland. They do help families who cannot feed children, but they also help people who have lost their homes to fires or other disasters.
In order to participate, Leland said people need to bring proof of income if they have any, social security card and a picture ID of everyone for which they are applying.
Leland said every church has some members who use the Food Pantry but only about five churches donate. One local couple donates $500 per year.
“If one person could that, think about what we a could do if more people would donate,” Leland said. “If all churches would donate $50 a month, it would really help out.”
In order to donate or volunteer, call Leland at (662) 563-7595 for more information.