GARNER, IA - Monday morning is grocery day for Barbara Halverson, and she was looking for figure-friendly options.
Halverson explained, "we've used smaller plates and try to eat the healthy foods now."
Once a month, Halverson turns to God's Pantry in Garner to help fill her family's plates.
She said, "it helps a lot because my husband and I are just on social security, and toward the end it really hits rough."
Six months ago, the food shelf served about thirty families a month. Recently, that number doubled. Halverson and her husband are now one of sixty families depending on God's Pantry to make ends meet.
God's Pantry's Linda Grote told KIMT News 3, "a pantry is a big economic indicator."
A few folks, like Halverson, are frequent visitors. But Grote said the majority of users are recently unemployed, and they're turning to God's Pantry to help feed their loved ones.
Grote explained, "there are some people who come in and go - yeah, I've never done this before. So you know they're not real comfortable with it."
God's Pantry depends on donations to keep the shelves stocked. Grote said they receive an amazing amount of support from the community, but the reality is it's just not enough.
"Although it sounds like we get a lot, it's very hard right now to keep up with the demand," she said.
Grote made clear that whatever it takes, they'll help anyone who needs it. She doesn't want to see a single person in her area go hungry.
It's a daunting task, but a small bag of food makes a big difference in homes like Halverson's.
She explained she's "very grateful. Everybody is that comes here."
If you'd like to donate to God's Pantry, or if you need help putting food on your table, you can call Grote at (641) 923-2261.
