New food pantry opens doors in Mt. Pleasant - The Morning Sun

New food pantry opens doors in Mt. Pleasant - The Morning Sun

Mt. Pleasant residents facing financial struggles now have a permanent food pantry to offer more availability than the former mobile pantry.

The pantry, located at 1114 W. High St. in Mt. Pleasant, served more than a dozen residents when it opened at its new location Wednesday afternoon.

The food pantry is part of Community Compassion Network, a local nonprofit organization meant to serve the community.

Sarah Gilbert, board member of CCN, said the organization started as an outreach ministry of Mt. Pleasant Community Church.

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Three years ago, it became an official nonprofit organization and was a once-a-month venture.

It expanded to twice a month and added a nutrition club program, which provided more than 650 weekend meal kits to Isabella County students.

“It gives our guests more options for times to come,” Gilbert said. “People can also come by appointment, which means we’re really respecting their dignity and time by allowing them to come at a scheduled time to pick up their supplemental food assistance. It makes it easier for folks who utilize I-Ride.”

Pantry workers have visitors sign in, and they walk with them and help them select food.

Available amounts of food depend on the size of the family. While they shop, they get a sheet that tells them the quantity of the product they are allowed to take.

Shawn Bugh was one of the people getting food at the new pantry.

Bugh said he the process for getting food was easy, and he prefers the new pantry rather than the former mobile food pantry.

“I’m very grateful for this. I don’t get food stamps, so this helps. I got cereal, crackers, pasta and sauce and all kinds of stuff,” Bugh said. “It was easy, having it here instead of in a truck.”

The pantry also had first-time shoppers there.

Cassandra Taylor said it was her first time at a food pantry, as she was there with her mom helping her out.

“I don’t know much about this place here. I’m here helping my mom,” Taylor said. “But it’s nice to see that people who need help with food are coming here and getting the help they need.”

Hours of operation for the pantry are Wednesday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.ccnfeeds.org.