The Taylorville Food Pantry is now past a high-demand November.  It’s normally their busiest month of the year, but this occasion was anything but ordinary.  The federal government shutdown lingered into November, and so too did the lack of funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for millions of recipients.  Staff at the pantry are now looking ahead to the December holidays and in search of donations and volunteers to help feed the community.

Amy Hagen is a co-coordinator at the Taylorville Food Pantry.  She says the heavy November turnout they prepared for was almost exactly what they received.

Pam Moses, another co-coordinator, says even with the holidays, December is a quieter month.  Still, there is demand for ham and other meats for dinners. 

The food pantry is always in search of volunteers.  Anyone with a truck is especially encouraged to help, as they can transport large volumes of food. 

The Taylorville Food Pantry is taking part in the Food Rescue program, where they accept excess food items from stores, restaurants, and other businesses.  This helps keep the pantry’s shelves stocked and reduces food waste. 

The Taylorville Food Pantry is located at 1429 East Main Cross.  They are open Tuesdays from 8:30-10 a.m., Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m.  More information is available at www.taylorvillefoodpantry.com or by calling them at (217) 820-2651.

Amy Hagen and Pam Moses appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.