(4/10) Unemployment claims being filed in Pennsylvania have already attained record-breaking proportions as a result of businesses being shut down as a countermeasure to stymy the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Naturally, the surge in numbers of the unemployed increases the demand on organizations conceived to help the needy, leaving them finding themselves in need of assistance to continue to provide their services.
The Fairfield Food Pantry, managed by the Fairfield Mennonite Church, serves residents in the Fairfield School District, Fairfield, Carroll Valley, Hamiltonban, Orrtanna and Cashtown.
Food Pantry Coordinator Dottie Warrenfeltz said the pantry has seen an increase in families being served since the unemployment rate has increased. Thus far, she said, "We saw a small increase last month" about a dozen or more families and has started receiving calls about receiving goods through this monthly pantry.
In light of the coronavirus concerns, the pantry will be operating as a "drive-through," and those seeking food supplies should drive to the parking lot located behind the church and remain in their vehicles. "We have it blocked off in the back of the parking lot, and someone will go out and sign them in. We have guys who will come out and put the groceries in back of the vehicle." Allocations
are based on family size.
The pantry is held once a month. April's pantry will be held on April 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. May's pantry will be held on May 15 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Anyone who arrives and is not from the normal service area of the Fairfield Food Pantry will be given food and informed of where they should go for supplies from that point on.
For those wishing to donate goods or money, Warrenfeltz said the pantry is mostly in need of rice and instant mashed potatoes, and hand sanitizers. Additionally, the pantry gives away canned goods, pasta, soup, cereal, crackers, canned meats of fish, as well as "snacks, eggs, and "odds and ends," such as laundry detergent. Giant Foods, on Route 30, outside of Gettysburg, provides the pantry
with bread and desserts.
A goods drop-off set-up is located behind the church, inside the foyer. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Fairfield Mennonite Church, 201 West Main Street, Fairfield, and addressed "In care of food pantry."
For additional information, contact the pantry by calling Warrenfeltz at 717-253 1265, or contact the church at 717-642-8936.
