PEORIA, Ill.– The sagging economy has meant many food pantries have seen an increase in patronage, which is leaving shelves depleted.
PEORIA, Ill.– The sagging economy has meant many food pantries have seen an increase in patronage, which is leaving shelves depleted. Peoria Area Food Bank director Barb Shreves says many of the food pantries she works with have seen as much as a 50 percent rise in the number of mouths to feed. Jim Sullivan of the Salvation Army’s Heartland Division says although the organization is on track with many of their charity programs, inventory in their food pantry is dwindling. He said people who have given in the past are now standing in line saying they need help. In McLean County, the Salvation Army has scrapped next week’s annual giveaway of Thanksgiving baskets and will hold onto the goods until Christmas. Sullivan said the problem is not a shortfall in donations but a rapidly growing need for assistance. AP ______ Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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