Hard times may be on the horizon for the Warren County Food Bank.
“We are in need of funds,” said Food Bank president Lester Cowell. “We haven’t received our FEMA money yet. We usually get it the last of March so there is a gap.”
According to UCHRA Warren County coordinator Kim Luton, it could be a bigger gap than anticipated.
“FEMA money is not certain at this time,” Luton said. “Funding is being cut left and right for services. It’s not just us, but I fear we may be next.”
Money given by FEMA is used to purchase food, while other funds donated are used to pay expenses such as rent, electricity, etc.
“If we run out of FEMA money and future FEMA donations get cut, we will have to use the funds we do have to buy food,” said Cowell. “The demand for food is up. More and more people are unemployed.”
Food staples regularly in demand include crackers, oatmeal, shortening, peanut butter, instant potatoes, flour, sugar, tuna, pinto beans, canned vegetables and soups.
Cowell says the food bank usually gives a four-day emergency food supply to people. If funding from FEMA is cut in half, the repercussions could be significant.
“If the cut is substantial, we may even have to close,” Cowell said. “We are trying not to think about that at this point. At this stage, we could use monetary donations until we find out about FEMA funding.”
Food controller Nira Snyder says the food bank is about neighbors helping neighbors.
“Any of us can be in the position of needing food,” she said. “It could happen. This is about helping your neighbor out and the food bank being here to help you if you ever need it.”
Luton says there has been one enduring quality about Warren County residents that has not wavered since the program began in 1983.
“If they know you need help, they are always willing to lend a hand,” she said.
Anyone wanting to donate, or those in need, may call 473-6652. The food bank is located at 204 Red Road behind McMinnville Police Department.