PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – Organizers of a Pekin food pantry weren’t prepared for what they saw earlier this week.
A surge of people in need came suddenly, as a Facebook post showed a large line out the door, emptying the shelves at the Hope Cupboard, which is part of the Hope Chest.
25 News reports about 100 households, half of them first-time visitors, are facing cuts to food stamp benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.
“[Thursday], we had a record number of families, more than half of them first time people here at our pantry and that has caused an issue for us to provide for all these people,” said Chris Boerma, who is Hope Chest’s president.
“We were blessed to have been able to provide for all these families yesterday, but this is what we have,” he added.
Hope Cupboard typically serves roughly 50-60 families each week, but after Thursday’s long line of people, it’s expected the line will double by their next food pantry event on Tuesday.
“The demand is greater now than I think it’s ever been,” Boerma said.
He mentioned that Hope Cupboard receives a shipment of food from two different suppliers monthly and weekly, but both are under the stress of supplying to so many food pantries.
“A lot of local businesses in Pekin have been generous in their donations,” Boerma said
“That’s how we survive, that’s how we’re able to maintain what we do,” he went on to say.
As the government shutdown continues, more residents face possible delays in assistance from programs like SNAP and WIC, meaning local food pantries have to fill the gap.
Boerma thinks community support will be critical in helping families make it through the next few weeks.
Hope Cupboard is taking food donations at 1414 N 8th St. in Pekin. You can also donate money by calling 309-620-9043.
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