PELLSTON — After a successful fundraising event to raise $30,000, the Pellston Food Pantry has begun construction of a new pole barn storage area for the pantry's mission.
Randy Bricker Sr., the food pantry director, said the organization plans to use the storage area to house a delivery truck and other equipment for the operation.
"We're hoping to have the construction done in a few weeks," Bricker said.
Having the storage building will free up space within the main pantry building, located on U.S. 31 just south of Mill Street in Pellston.
The Pellston Food Pantry has shown steady growth in the number of families receiving food. According to a fundraising packet, the pantry fed 3,800 people in 2015, and grew to 4,145 in 2016. This year, 2,059 people have received assistance.
The staff has also installed improvements to the current facility at 155 U.S. 31 South in Pellston, including a commercial refrigerator and freezer donated by the Baiardi Family Foundation. Stainless steel tables, shelving units, shopping carts and more have also been added to allow better access for people visiting the pantry.
