The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry Board met Monday, November 11, 2019, with 11 members and one guest present. Churches represented were: Tarkio – St. Paul’s Catholic, First Christian, and Presbyterian; Fairfax – Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist; and Westboro – Methodist and St. John’s Lutheran.

In September, 56 families representing 128 individuals were served. In October, 60 families representing 128 individuals were assisted.

Anita Sutter introduced Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest of St. Joseph, Missouri. Chad shared information regarding how the trade war with China is affecting local food banks across the nation. Both Chad and the local food pantry board members shared concerns as to how our food pantry can best meet the needs of our clients while being wise stewards of our local resources.

Red Rock Demolition has inspected the old food pantry building. It will be after Christmas before demolition can begin.

In the month of December, coupons for hams will be distributed according to size of the families. Families with one to three members will receive the coupon for half of a ham. For families with four or more, a couple for a whole ham will be given. Clients must take the coupons to the Tarkio Hy-Vee to be redeemed.

Board members will open the food pantry in December on the 10th, 12th, 17th, and 19th from 9:00-11:00 a.m., as well as December 10 in the evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. In January of 2020, the food pantry will be open the 21st, 23rd, 28th, and 30th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. It will also be open on January 21 in the evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Catholic Church will be responsible for opening the pantry in January.

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

Items that are needed are 5 pound bags of sugar and flour, 44 ounce jugs of Sunny D, 16 ounce jars of peanut butter, chili with beans, chili ready tomatoes, Jiffy corn mix, and pudding.

The next board meeting will be held January 14, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. It will serve as the corporate yearly meeting and officers will be elected. For more information regarding the food pantry, any church may be contacted and questions will be directed to the correct individual. The pantry is located at 315 Main Street in Tarkio.