Open Arms Food Pantry in need of donations

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Open Arms Food Pantry is in great need of both food and monetary donations.  Pantry volunteers are asking the public to help out during these “hard times.”

Volunteers said the public has been amazing in helping with donations, but the need is continuing to hold steady and even grow.  Terri Phillips with the pantry said they are seeing hundreds more people needing food from the pantry, even more now than when the Pandemic first started.

“Today, the face of  hunger has changed. More working people with families are going hungry.  With the holidays and financial hardships effecting so many lives, we are seeing a rise of new clients coming to us for the first time,” Phillips said.

The pantry usually serves over 1,000 hungry Campbell Countians each month, but that number has increased.  According to Phillips, many elderly go to the pantry for food and depend upon that to have enough money to purchase medications.  These numbers are up as well.

“People are telling us they have used up all their resources and now their cupboards are bare.  Families are struggling more now than when the Pandemic started seven months ago.  It takes you and Open Arms Ministry to help relieve the burden of them wondering where their next meal will come from,” Phillips said.

All donations, food and monetary stay completely in the county.  Monetary donations make the biggest impact since the pantry has non-profit status and the ability to purchase food in bulk, which buys more for the dollar.

Foods needed include non-perishables, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and perishables as well.

Food donations must be un-opened and within date.

The pantry is operated by a complete staff of volunteers with no payroll.  All donations are tax deductible.

“We’re so thankful for the help and so are all the families coming in for food,” Phillips said.

She also suggested area churches, businesses or individuals might want to do food drives to benefit the pantry.

“We will continue to work together to ensure food reaches those in need of assistance.  No matter how you say it, Hunger Hurts. The hungry are counting on us,” added Phillips.

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 433, Caryville, TN, 37714.  Donations may also be dropped off at the pantry location at 1112 McGhee Lane, Jacksboro, 37757, near the National Guard Armory.

For more information, call 423-566-6723 or check them out on Facebook. Hours of operation are Mondays and Tuesdays 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/19/2020-6AM)