“We started this pantry three years ago because there was, and continues to be, a need for it,” explained Thane Hopkins of the Laurens Area Food Pantry. “We serve between 15-28 families a month, but right now we’re averaging about 25. It’s a lot when you think about the size of our community.”
What started as a small, appointment-only food pantry at the Methodist Church in Laurens has now become a full-fledged food pantry with 10 volunteers, multiple church involvement and donations from several community members, organizations and companies like Iowa Select Farms.
“I just love seeing the looks on people’s faces when they see what we’re able to give them,” said Thane. “They are truly grateful for this support and it means so much for me to be able to help them. It’s really rewarding.”
Currently, the Laurens Area Food Pantry opens their doors to qualifying families 2 days a week, but families are only allowed to go once a month. In addition to purchasing ground beef, sausage and sandwich meat, the pantry relies on Iowa Select Farms’ coupons to provide clients with protein. And now, they have an additional 60, 5-pound pork loins for their clients thanks to Haul Out Hunger.
