Each month, over 300 families utilize the East Ridge Community Food Pantry operated by East Ridge Methodist Church on Prater Road, according to director Danny McDowell. By his estimates, that translates to around 550 children who don’t have to go hungry each month.
But with a steady increase in the number of families requesting assistance, there are more still who don’t have enough to eat.
Started in March 2015, the food pantry runs on a monthly budget of $2,800. Each family receives 35 pounds when they are served on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
“Our mission is to provide help in a time of need,” said McDowell. “Our vision is to expand our services.”
East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams is listening. At the Oct. 10 city council meeting, Williams kicked off an East Ridge City Council Community Food Pantry Food Drive to raise awareness of the needs within the local community. He invites attendees of council meetings to donate nonperishable food or money to the food bank.