Open Pantry in dire need

Date: 1/18/2010

SPRINGFIELD As the tough economic climate continues, Open Pantry Community Services (OPCS) is in need of financial help from the community. "Donations were down over the holiday season and we also lost our private funding for our annual Christmas Holiday Meal at the last moment," said OPCS Director Allison Maynard.

Open Pantry provided over 94,872 meals to people who were hungry at their Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen. At Open Pantry's Emergency Food Pantry, an essential service and supports thousands of individuals each year, over 12,582 intake visits were performed which resulted in food for over 26,992 people.

Open Pantry may be forced to cut service hours for its programs unless it can shore up lost revenue. Open Pantry recently lost Emergency Shelter grant money from the Department of Housing and Community Development totaling $28,000 annually for its supportive housing program Rutledge House.

For more information or to make a donation, call 746-5386 or e-mail amaynard@openpantry.org.