Colfax County Food Pantry sees surge in people served

SCHUYLER - For years, the Colfax County Food Pantry has helped out those in need. 

Every Wednesday night, volunteers at its location in Schuyler hand out nonperishable food, fresh produce, laundry detergent, diapers and hygiene products.

The operation is run by the Schuyler Ministerial Association, which is made up of several churches in town.

Because of the coronavirus, the pantry has recently changed how folks can get food.

“We have been serving as a drive-thru pantry since…the beginning of April," the Rev. Sarah Gengeler said.  "A drive thru for people to pick up goods, so that they can stay in their cars and stay safe.”

The pantry also delivers to those who tested positive for the virus or don't have transportation.

That's not the only way the pandemic has impacted its operation.  Gengeler said the number of people they serve has skyrocketed.

"We used to serve around 40 families a month and it started creeping up," she said.  "By April, we were noticing it was about 60-75 families, and now we serve at least 100 families a week.”

Gengeler said they're on track to serve more than 2,000 people in July alone.  She said that highlights how big food insecurity is in Colfax County.

"Every week that we’re here, we see it more and more how much of a need there is because most of these families are newcomers to our pantry," she said.  "They’re not here every week.  They’re only allowed to come once every four weeks, so the numbers that we’re seeing aren't repeats.”

One person receiving food who preferred to remain anonymous said having the food pantry around does good for a lot of people, especially if they haven't been working or have been dealing with the virus.  Another one said having money for food was less manageable before he started coming to the pantry.

If you would like to learn more about the Colfax County Food Pantry, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Colfax-County-Food-Pantry-104211864321630/.

You may also find information at: https://schuylerministerialassociation.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR2RwNHxqWePJ9pfIO9Yqx5-Jqc0zvtlpq7BxZTUsQ7Mo44ruda8tmVJJEo.