Marshall County food pantry shutting down - KTEN

Marshall County food pantry shutting down - KTEN
The Hope for Marshall County food pantry is closing due to insufficient donations. (KTEN)The Hope for Marshall County food pantry is closing due to insufficient donations. (KTEN)
The Hope for Marshall County food pantry is closing in August. (KTEN)The Hope for Marshall County food pantry is closing in August. (KTEN)
Hope for Marshall County's food pantry was fully stocked when this location opened in March, 2018. (KTEN)Hope for Marshall County's food pantry was fully stocked when this location opened in March, 2018. (KTEN)

OAKLAND, Okla. -- Over the years, Hope for Marshall County has become one of the most important non-profit agencies in the area.

Its food pantry keeps families fed, and offers assurance about where their next meal is coming from.

Unfortunately, the food pantry will be closing its doors in August.

"That'll have a big impact on the community, especially for parents who are on low income and are trying to decide where their child's next meal is coming from," said Brenda Halloway, who offers donations to the pantry.

But the efforts of Halloway and others haven't been enough.

"We've got probably right now less than 10 donors and over 250 people -- seniors and families -- that are needing help every month," said HFMC executive director Gwen Wilson.

Halloway said she donates to the pantry whenever she can, because she knows how it can feel when struggling to find that next meal.

"As a parent, I know the feeling of your child being hungry and not being able to provide anything, and the pantry does that," she said.

Although this food pantry is closing, Hope for Marshall County's other projects will continue.

"All of our other missions are running full force," Wilson said. "For instance, we have the blessing baskets at the schools where we provide the hygiene items and things for the children."

Those involved with the pantry believe this will be a short-term closure, and hope to see it back in business in September.

Donations are still being accepted at  19123 Elizabeth Boulevard in Oakland.