WAHOO – The Saunders County Food Pantry is well-prepared to provide to area families in need.
According to Saunders County Food Pantry Volunteer Gene Mercer of Wahoo, the pantry sponsored by the Saunders County Ministerial Association is anticipating a seasonal increase in donations.
“The peaks are usually in fall and spring,” Mercer said.
Rev. Don White, president of the Saunders County Ministerial Association, said that November and December also tend to be when donations of food and money are at their peak.
This, he said, is due to an uptick of contributions from area high schools, churches, clubs and farm groups. He also credits this due to people having greater feelings of giving during the holiday season.
On average, the Food Pantry serves 25 families per month, Mercer said. This has been a fairly stable number over the past year.
To receive assistance, families can call area church ministers, who then meet with them at the Wahoo Civic Center.
“All they have to do is request,” White said.
White explained that assistance is limited to once per month, with a log being kept of family names and visits.
Mercer said that the Food Pantry hands out non-perishable food items.
“Non-perishable items are what we primarily ask for,” Mercer said.
Mercer added that some items especially needed by the Food Pantry right now are flour, sugar, canned fruits and canned tomatoes.
Mercer also said the Food Pantry appreciates donations of laundry detergent and basic toiletries.
Monetary donations are also accepted and are used to purchase items to stock the shelves.
Mercer said he is grateful for the widespread support the organization has received from residents and businesses throughout Saunders County.
“I think it’s a service that people in the county like to support,” Mercer said.
White agreed.
“We just are thankful that the people of Saunders County are extremely generous,” White said.
Individuals may call area ministers to donate, or may leave food at Wahoo Super, SunMart, Wahoo Civic Center or Wahoo Senior Center. Checks for the Food Pantry may also be taken to FirstBank of Nebraska in Wahoo.
