Increase in need at Christ’s Cupboard

The rising cost of, well, everything has led to a sharp increase in those seeking assistance at Christ’s Cupboard Food Pantry in Red Oak.
Director Lois Trinity said from January to June 2022, they have served more than 2,000 people, putting them on pace for a record number of clients since they opened in 1997.
Trinity said when the COVID pandemic hit, they didn’t close up shop but rather took things outside. However, with government stimulus checks, they didn’t see an increase need of services.
“It is concerning,” said Trinity.
She continued to say before the rise in inflation, it was rare for them to serve more than 100 clients per week. In the past two months alone, it has been close to 100 per week consistently.
“We are also seeing people who have never been to a food pantry before,” said Trinity. “Last week we had 13 families who were new to food pantries; that is unusual.”
Trinity said nearly all of those who frequent the food pantry reside in Montgomery County, specifically Red Oak. The majority of those seeking help are employed, but lack the extra funds for items such as clothing, personal hygiene products or even food.
“It is eye opening,” said Trinity.
But Christ’s Cupboard isn’t alone. A recent survey by the anti-hunger organization Feeding America has shown that increased demand has affected nearly 80% of U.S. food banks, as higher prices cause more families to seek assistance. Inflation has spiked in the U.S., marking it the highest rate in 40 years. This has left families, who would never consider using a food pantry or assistance program struggling to make ends meet and reaching out for help.
“If they need to fill up their car with gas in order to drive back and forth to work, they might not have anything left over,” Trinity said.
Mary Rold of Red Oak has volunteered at Christ’s Cupboard for seven years. She said she really enjoys helping others and “doing God’s work.”
“I have noticed the number of those seeking assistance has increased week after week. Times are scary for people,” Rold said. “We are blessed to be able to help so many.”
While Montgomery County might be one of the more poor counties in Iowa, it is also one of the most generous. Trinity said despite the uptick in need, the shelves remain stocked.
“We are so grateful because we are so blessed,” Trinity said.
Local churches, organizations and individuals often donate items, as do the local businesses like Red Oak Fareway, Red Oak Hy-Vee and Red Oak Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Christ’s Cupboard accepts clothing, household items, non-perishable food items, unused personal hygiene items and items such as toilet paper and laundry detergent. During the summer they also accept fresh produce. Monetary donations are also accepted. Items may be dropped off at its 206 E. Coolbaugh location Wednesday afternoons. Please utilize the back door. Monetary donations can also be sent in care of the First Covenant Church, 211 E. Hammond, Red Oak, IA 51566.
“We do this in the Lord Jesus’ name. We want to pass along his love for us,” Trinity said. “Judgment is not passed on anyone.”
In addition to Christ Cupboard, the next Live Well Montgomery County Mobile pantry will be July 27 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Mobile pantries are also scheduled for Sept. 28 and Nov. 16, said Live Well Montgomery County Director Laura Kloewer.
“We are starting to harvest from our community gardens and will be distributing fresh produce throughout the county at the food pantries.  Recently, we were able to take lettuce, radish and zucchini to Christ Cupboard,” said Kloewer. “Prices are high and it’s hard for a lot of folks right now. Live Well Montgomery County is committed to continuing to assist where we can to fill gaps and support existing programing as it relates to food insecurity.”
Like Christ’s Cupboard, Kloewer said the mobile panty is also seeing an increase in what is needed.
“Our mobile pantry events have always been successful, but we are seeing to a lot of new faces that these events. We hope to continue the Mobile Pantries through 2023 but we don’t have anything finalized yet.”