Colfax food pantry stocks running low

The Colfax food pantry is now in need of even the most basic supplies. A record year of requests has left the shelves of the pantry barren of essentials like Top Ramen, spaghetti sauce and mayonnaise.

“What we really need is a group that would like to take on a food drive,” said Gail Webster, director of the Colfax Community Action Center, which manages the Colfax food bank.

Supplies like boxed or canned foods are needed, Webster said. Specifically, items like peanut butter, potatoes, dish soap, pasta, spaghetti sauce, cream soups and baking mixes are needed.

When a family or individual visits the food bank, a typical request is met with a five-day supply of food. Because of the shortage, Webster said, they have shortened that to a two-day supply.

“We don’t even have any Top Ramen. Can you imagine a food bank without Top Ramen?” she said.

Webster said for two months last winter they received more than 40 requests for food from local families. In a typical month, CAC usually gets around 25 requests. The high number of requests through the winter and spring means the empty shelves the pantry has today, she said.

The food pantry has seen higher numbers of requests since the national economy began to tank a few years ago.

A pamphlet listing the needs of the food pantry is currently being circulated to churches throughout Colfax.

The pantry has an account for financial donations at the U.S. Bank in Colfax.

Families or individuals that fall within a certain income bracket are eligible to receive food. For questions or to make donations, contact the Community Action Center in Colfax.