The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry board met Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with nine members present. Churches represented were: First Christian, Catholic Church, and Good News Church, Tarkio; Christian, Presbyterian, Methodist, Fairfax; and St. John’s Lutheran, Westboro.

President Cathy Riggins presided over the meeting. In November, 133 individuals representing 52 families were served. In December, 124 individuals representing 50 families were assisted. Treasurer Anita Sutter presented the treasurer’s report. She shared a comparison study in regards to the cost spent on food. In 2023, the cost spent at HyVee, Walmart and Sam’s Club on food was $22,730.56. In 2024, the food cost spent at those same three locations was $34,706.27. Anita noted that the cost increase was approximately $12,000.

The annual corporate board meeting business included the election of officers for 2025. They are as follows: Pastor Cathy Riggins, president; Lois Powell, vice-president; Patty Rolofson, secretary; and Anita Sutter, treasurer.

The food pantry is currently low on the following items: tomato juice (46 oz. can), saltine crackers, cereal, brownie mix, sugar (5 lbs.), Hamburger Helper, chili style beans, beef or chicken pot pies, and dish soap.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church will open the pantry January 23, 28, and 30.

If schools are closed due to inclement weather, the food pantry is also closed. If the schools experience a two-hour delay, the food pantry will also delay opening until 10:00 a.m. and will stay open until 12:00 noon.

The next board meeting will be March 11, 2025. The food pantry is located at 315 Main Street in Tarkio.