SALISBURY — Rowan Helping Ministries officials say the agency’s food pantry is low and the current supply won’t likely sustain them for a month.
“There are peaks and valleys, we are in a valley right now,” said Kimberly Collins, director of resource development and community relations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance program is not affected by the shortage, but the community food supply is low, she said.
There is not one specific reason for the shortage, Collins said. It could be “because people are on spring break with holiday plans, or maybe with the warmer weather they think we don’t have as many people here,” she said.
Rowan Helping Ministries’ overnight shelter is also over capacity.
“The need is still there. We still have 70 people a night at a shelter that holds 40,” Collins said.
Donations can be made at Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N. Long St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Volunteers will weigh and unload items as they come into the shelter.
Items needed in the pantry include canned food, vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, pasta, beans and rice. Collins said large bags of rice can be divided to feed individuals or families.
For a complete list of pantry needs go to www.rowanhelpingministries.org or call Collins at 704-637-6838 ext. 103.