Food program feeds many

DECATUR — The Decatur United Methodist Church offers a food pantry program as well as a commodity food program for residents in Decatur. Beginning April 1, the programs will only be open the first and third Thursday of every month, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Beginning April 1, all commodity recipients must re-qualify for the program by providing the following information: Identification, proof of and source of income, number in household, ages in household, and employer information.

Along with the commodity program, recipients of the food pantry will also need to re-qualify. Food Pantry recipients are residents with hardship situations. To qualify, residents must provide proof of residency in Decatur with a utility bill, rent deposit or other documentation.

With challenging times for everyone, we encourage those who qualify for commodities to receive only commodity supplies. The commodity program is subsidized by the government through the NWA Food Bank.

Our food pantry is subsidized by those in the community who give in one of the many fund-raising cans around town and by the people within the Decatur United Methodist Church congregation who give spiritually, financially and physically (through operation of the pantry).

During these difficult economic times, the pantry is struggling financially and also in supplies. The pantry purchases its supplies through the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the United Way Warehouse. When their supplies are low, local supplies will also be low.

The programs have provided food and paper goods to more than 700 people. In the month of December, 92 families were served - 283 individuals through the food pantry and 107 people through the commodity program. The generosity of everyone who deposits change in the change cans in local businesses is appreciated. Small contributions add up and do a lot.