Dear Editor,

The number of persons receiving food from the Rock Port Ministerial Alliance’s Food Pantry has nearly doubled in the past year. In the first nine months of 2024 the food pantry served an average of 17 persons each month. This year that number jumped to an average of 27 persons each month, with even more people looking for help in the past month. We are also headed into the busiest time of the year for food needs and financial assistance applications. Plus, with the interruption of the SNAP program we expect to see even more requests for assistance.

At the same time, food and monetary donations are not meeting the monthly needs. The Ministerial Alliance is spending more and more each month to restock the shelves with just the basics. The Alliance’s financial resources depend completely on the generosity of the local community and churches.

Every individual who receives help from the food pantry must register with the Atchison County Community Services office and qualify for assistance. The Community Services staff maintains the files and forwards the names so we can make sure the people who truly need it are receiving help.

If you would like to donate food, please check with your church office to see what is on your church’s list for this month; or you can contact the Ministerial Alliance office through United Methodist Church at 660-744-2101. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please make a check out to the Rock Port Ministerial Alliance and forward it to P.O. Box 226, Rock Port, MO 64482.

Thank you for your help to support the less fortunate in our community.

The Rock Port Ministerial Alliance