Food pantry helps many families

“We are starting to see lots of new families show up for our food pantries.” says Moorcroft Interfaith Community (MIC) President Rev. Monte Reichenberg. “As layoffs and furloughing continue to be a reality, we are seeing families who have been living off of their savings for the last four or five months starting to seek food help.”

“As a result of that and the fact that we had five pantries in July,” Reichenberg continues, “we have once again reached record high numbers for the month.”

With three regular pantries, one Totes of Hope and the Crook County Wide Mobile Pantry supplied by the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies but hosted by the MIC, 580 families were able to receive food assistance during July.

Those 580 families represented 1012 children (under 18), 851 adults (18-59) and 318 Senior citizens (60 and up). That makes for a total of 2181 individuals from Crook, Weston and Campbell Counties.

Statistics show that children and senior citizens are the most susceptible to food insecurity. And though the MIC is saddened and concerned by the numbers of families needing help, MIC finds it gratifying to know that they are seeking out and finding help.

“One thing that helps,” says Reichenberg, “is the fact that we are able to receive free fresh produce boxes from the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies (WFBR). These boxes, which are basically grocery rescue items, have no restrictions on who is eligible to receive them. This allows families to save a little on their grocery bill.”

MIC encourages families to have 1-3 months of food reserves on hand.

The MIC is also very thankful for those individuals, congregations, businesses and foundations who support the food pantry efforts. In addition to the WFBR, they also want to acknowledge PreCorp Foundation, Diehl’s Supermarket, Wyoming Community Foundation, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Pinnacle Bank for their support and assistance.

We appreciate all the great volunteers who help unload, stock and box the food items. Working together, we can do much for our community.

Because of the large numbers of families being served, MIC could use your

help. Donations for MIC can be mailed to MIC, PO Box 1056, Moorcroft, WY and noted for food pantry. Volunteers may call Pastor Monte 217-251-1182 to schedule a time to help.

Moorcroft Food Pantries September 2020

Thurs., Sept. 3 Regular MIC Pantry 4-6 p.m. MTC, 101 S Belle Fourche Ave., Moorcroft

Tues., Sept. 8 CCCCS Pantry, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. by Sharon’s Home Health

Thurs., Sept. 10 WFBR Crook County Mobile Pantry, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. MTC, 101 S. Belle Fourche Ave., Moorcroft, Upton and Rozet areas welcome

Sept. 17 Regular MIC Pantry 4-6 p.m., MTC, 101 S. Belle Fourche Ave., Moorcroft

Sept. 22 CCCCS Pantry 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. by Sharon’s Home Health

Sept. 24 to be determined