VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – City County Health District has learned that the Barnes County Food Pantry has served double the usual number of people this past month due to the coronavirus—over 80 families have been served. This is due the recent layoffs many people have experienced. We are appealing to the community for this need.

Because of the coronavirus the Food Pantry is only able to accept monetary donations—they cannot accept boxes or cans of food. The Food Pantry will then purchase food items in bulk from our local stores.

If area residents would like to donate money to the Barnes County Food Pantry, simply write your check out to the “Food Pantry” and mail it to Barnes County Food Pantry, PO Box 298, Valley City, ND 58072. Every dollar given to the Food Pantry is used for food, and only food.

So far the Food Pantry has been able to hold their own, but food supplies are going down fast. Previously the Food Pantry has relied on churches and others to donate food items, but now that people are not allowed to attend the church buildings, food donations are not coming in the usual way and now the Pantry is only allowed to accept monetary donations.

The food boxes provide an individual or family with a variety of foods to assure a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and carbs. Each box will receive foods from the 5 food groups (starches, protein/meat and eggs, fruits, vegetables and milk).

The foods that are in boxes or cans will come directly from the Food Pantry where they will also receive frozen meat. People will receive vouchers to purchase the bread, produce, milk and eggs from either of our Leevers grocery stores.

If an individual or a family is in need of a food box from the Food Pantry they should either contact Social Services for a referral or get a referral from the pastor of one of our local churches.

City County Health District would like to thank all the volunteers and staff who continue to work at the food pantry organizing this important program.

For more information on COVID-19 go to www.health.nd.gov and click on coronavirus (more information) or call their hotline at 1-866-207-2880 or contact City County Health District about any concerns or needs that you may have (845-8518).

This article comes to you from City County Health District.