Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry board meeting

The Tarkio/Westboro/Fairfax Food Pantry board met Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with 11 members present. Churches represented were Fairfax – Baptist, Christian, Methodist, and Presbyterian; Tarkio – Catholic, Christian, and Church of God; and Westboro – St. John’s Lutheran.

In May, the pantry served 39 families representing 92 individuals. In June, 44 families representing 92 individuals were assisted.

The roof in the pantry has started to leak this summer. Jason Brown Construction was contacted. They will repair the roof at a cost of $7,560. With the continued need to provide food for clients in the communities, the board is aware that the amount of money to fix the roof does take away from money used to provide needed food. However, with the age of the roof (which was estimated to be over 100 years old), it is imperative that the aging roof be fixed. The board voted to move forward with the project.

Sam O’Riley is leaving her position at Community Services in August. The board expressed gratitude to Sam for her positive and productive work with the food pantry board. Cody Irivarry from Craig will be assuming the position.

St. John’s Lutheran Church will open the food pantry in July and the Tarkio Presbyterian Church will open the food pantry in August. The food pantry board will open the pantry in September. The food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the third and fourth weeks of each month. It is also open the third Tuesday from 7:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. The next board meeting will be September 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), cake mixes (chocolate or white), saltine crackers, sugar (5 lbs.), boxed macaroni and cheese, Tuna Helper, Chicken Helper, chili style beans, beef or chicken pot pies, and toilet paper.

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

Rock Port Food Pantry

The Rock Port Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry is low on the following items: mandarin oranges, chili beans, canned chicken, stuffing mix, Raisin Bran cereal, canned peas, Spam, canned pineapple, women’s shampoo, women’s body wash, conditioner, and toothbrushes. Staple items they can always use include pancake mix, syrup, saltine crackers, macaroni and cheese, creamy peanut butter, and jelly (grape or strawberry).

The food pantry will be open Friday, July 25, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; Friday, August 8, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon; and Friday, August 22, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Donations can be taken to the Rock Port United Methodist Church, 211 W. Opp, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and placed in the shopping cart. Monetary donations may be mailed to the Rock Port Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 164, Rock Port, MO 64482.

If you would like to volunteer, contact Rebecca Liess at 660-253-3535.