The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry Board met Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with 11 members present. The following churches were represented: Tarkio – First Baptist, First Christian and Church of God; Fairfax – Methodist and Presbyterian; Westboro – United Methodist and St. John’s Lutheran. In July, 128 individuals representing 58 households were served. In August, 105 individuals representing 50 households were assisted.

Treasurer Anita Sutter reported that Red Rock Demolition had been paid $15,600 for the demolition of the old food pantry building. As a result of the demolition of the building to the east of the present food pantry building, some repairs will need to be done to the present building. A new white table for use at the pantry is being purchased by the Ministerial Alliance.

Judy Henson reported that buying some food items for the food pantry remains difficult. Items that can be used include vegetable beef soup, chili with beans, cream of mushroom soup, crackers, toilet paper, and laundry detergent.

The Tarkio United Methodist Church will be responsible for opening the food pantry in October. At that time, re-certification papers for the 2021 year will be available for clients. The pantry will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays on the third and fourth weeks of October from 9:00-11:00 a.m. It will also be open the third Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. In November, the Tarkio First Christian Church will open the food pantry. Due to Thanksgiving, the pantry will be open the second and third weeks of November from 9:00-11:00 a.m. It will also be open the second Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Due to the continuing pandemic, the food pantry will continue using the curbside service to maintain safety for both clients and volunteers.

The next board meeting will be Monday, November 9, at 9:30 a.m. The food pantry is located at 315 Main Street in Tarkio.