People who volunteer to staff the Marion County Emergency Food Bank see firsthand the need for food assistance that some people experience. Donations of food or money are appreciated.
A local woman who wishes to remain anonymous uses the food bank as it was intended — in times of emergency. The working woman said she has used the food bank two times in the past three years. She used it again recently when she was sick for a week and had no income.
“If it wasn’t for them (the food bank), I wouldn’t have had food this past month,” she said.
The food bank is open Monday and Thursday mornings. It is located in a room at the north end of Valley United Methodist Church in Marion.
Valera Morgan, 87, of Marion, works at the food bank the fourth Thursday of every month. Morgan said recipients come from throughout Marion County and are of all ages.
Each customer brings a referral form received from ministers and social service agencies such as Families and Communities Together. The form indicates the number of people in the household.
Keeping the pantry stocked is an ongoing struggle.
“I enjoy it,” Morgan said. “But it’s depressing when there’s not much selection to choose from.”
There always is food on the shelves, but sometimes it is more plentiful than at other times. A refrigerator stocks meat, milk, eggs, and other perishable products. Sometimes fresh produce such as potatoes and onions is available.
Glenda Taylor, 77, of Marion has been volunteering at the food bank for about a year.
“It’s not a lot of work,” she said. “But some days you come home and feel bad.”
On the other hand, she said, her heart is warmed when people bring in food. She said one woman does that on a regular basis.
“I think the food bank is a good thing, and I contribute to it often,” Taylor said. “It is very worthwhile, but I think people should look at it as emergency assistance rather than a long-term goal.”
People in need of food will have another opportunity to stock up when the Kansas Food Bank of Wichita brings a semiload to Marion. The food items will be available 8 to 10 a.m. June 17 at the Eastmoor United Methodist Church parking lot at 105 Eastmoor Drive. No referral is needed.