God's Food Pantry in need for holidays

Recent reports state that unemployment throughout the nation is at an all-time high, and the volunteers at God's Food Pantry are feeling the effects.

"Thanksgiving is coming up and we're really in some trouble," said Linda White, president of God's Food Pantry.

It was reported in July that the food pantry was running low on supplies.

"Last year, we helped about 400 families by providing them food for Thanksgiving," White said. "This year, we want to help at least 600 families because of the hard times."

But in order to achieve that, food pantry volunteers will have to scrounge up at least 6,000 cans each of corn, green beans and beans; 1,200 boxes of instant macaroni and cheese; 1,200 pouches of corn bread mix; 600 cans of cranberry sauce; 600 boxes of stuffing; and 600 pounds of rice and beans. Just to mention a few.

And most importantly, God's Food Pantry needs 600 turkeys to distribute for Thanksgiving.

"We have a few donations here and there from churches, businesses, schools and residents," White said. "But it won't take long for all of the food we currently have stocked to be given away."

God's Food Pantry has been helping more and more people each year. Volunteers have distributed food to people near and far. Families from Addison, Frisco, Fort Worth, The Colony, Lewisville, Glenn Heights, Corsicana, Teague, New Braunfels and Austin have come to the pantry for food. God's Food Pantry volunteers are even seeing an increase in out-of-state families.

"I think it's because people are getting laid off and are relocating to the area," White said. "Either way, they are asking for help because they are not sure what direction to go after losing their jobs. We're giving as much help as we can."

The pantry has seen nearly 7,000 pounds of donated food in November, but with the increase of clients, volunteers are finding it harder and harder to put some food aside for Thanksgiving. White estimates that the pantry has enough food stocked up to barely serve 200 people.

The last time the pantry has seen a food shortage to this degree was during the hurricane season, when evacuees fled inland.

"There was an immediate community response to help them because most of them lost everything," White said. "Donations and community support has kind of dwindled since."

To make things worse, White is growing more concerned about the upcoming Christmas season. After the Thanksgiving meal distribution, God's Food Pantry must immediately begin stocking up for the Christmas meal distribution.

"I know that the times are hard," White said. "But I have faith in the Lord and I hope he can pull us all together to work for the goal sooner than later."

God's Food Pantry will be closed to the public during the week of Nov. 17-22 to begin preparations for the Thanksgiving meal distribution, but will still be on-site to collect last minute donations - both monetary and food. The Pantry will re-open for meal distribution at 10 a.m. on Nov. 25. Residents of Collin County will be assisted first. Subsequent meals will be given on a first come, first serve basis.

The Pantry is located at 3420 E. 14th Street, Suite 101, in Plano.

For information about or donations to God's Food Pantry, contact Linda White at 972-633-9777 or online at www.godsfoodpantry.com.

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