The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry board met January 13, 2026, with 15 members present. Churches represented at the meeting were: Tarkio – Church of God, Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church, Good News Church, First Christian Church, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church; Westboro – Methodist Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church; and Fairfax – Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, and Baptist Church.

In November, 149 individuals representing 56 families were served. In December, 124 individuals representing 62 families were assisted. The food pantry gave out 38 ham vouchers to be used at the Tarkio Hy-Vee in December. The pantry received donations from local community members, churches, community and school organizations during the holiday season. All donations whether food items or monetary donations were much appreciated.

The annual corporate meeting was held. The following officers were elected to serve for the coming year: Nan Stepp, president; Ellie Graves, vice-president; Patty Rolofson, secretary; and Anita Sutter, treasurer.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church will open the food pantry in January. The Fairfax Methodist Church will staff the pantry in February. The next meeting of the food pantry board will Tuesday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m. All board members are encouraged to attend.

The food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. the third and fourth weeks of each month. The pantry is also open the third Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The food pantry is currently low on the following items: beef or chicken pot pies, tomatoes (diced, diced chili ready, tomato sauce, rotel), vegetables (15 oz. – canned potatoes, cut green beans, French style green beans, mixed vegetables, whole kernel corn, cream style corn, peas, carrots, kraut), and toilet paper.

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 delay opening until 10:00 to noon.

Donations to the food pantry, especially monetary donations, are always appreciated. Donations may be sent to Anita Sutter, treasurer, at 26287 290th Street, Fairfax, MO 64446.

The food pantry is located at 315 Main Street in Tarkio.