The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry Board met September 8, 2026, with 17 members present. Churches represented at the meeting were: Fairfax Baptist, Christian, Methodist, and Presbyterian; Tarkio Baptist, Catholic, Christian, Church of God, Good News Church, and Presbyterian; and Westboro Methodist and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

In July, 56 families representing 129 individuals were served. In August, 137 individuals representing 56 families were assisted. In addition to increases in the numbers of families served, there was an increase of families of four to six members that were assisted. Due to the substantial increase in the cost of food, the importance of the support received from organizations, churches and community members was discussed. The food pantry does not receive any government fund-ing, so the help received from the Tarkio, Fairfax and Westboro communities is vital to the sustainability of the mission of the food pantry. Donations to the food pantry may be sent to Anita Sutter, treasurer, at 26287 290th Street, Fairfax, MO 64446. Checks can be made payable to Tarkio Westboro Community Care.

The food pantry board members will open the food pantry Thursday, September 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Good News Church of Tarkio will staff the pantry in October. The food pantry will be open the third and fourth Tuesdays and Thursdays of October from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is also open the third Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The food pantry schedule will change for the months of November and December. The pantry will open one week earlier in each of those months due to the holidays. The Tarkio Christian Church will open the pantry November 10, 12, 17 and 19. In December, the food pantry board will open the pantry on December 12, 14, 19, and 21. Clients should be mindful of those earlier November and December opening dates.

The next meeting of the food pantry board will be Monday, November 9, at 9:30 a.m.

The food pantry is currently low on the following items: fruits (15-20 oz. – mixed fruit, peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges), soups (cream of mushroom, chicken noodle, tomato, cream of chicken, vegetable beef, chili), creamy peanut butter (16 oz.), Hamburger Helper, beef or chicken pot pies, and dish soap.

The food pantry is located at 315 Main Street in Tarkio. To drop off food donations or to volunteer, contact Judy Henson at 816-261-2672.