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true true true true true

Indiana Food Banks Working To Meet Increased Demand Caused By Coronavirus

A photo of a National Guard soldier loading food into a car.

The National Guard started helping on Monday, April 12 and will be stationed in Ellettsville for the foreseeable future. (Ethan Burks, WFIU/WTIU News)

Ellettsville's Pantry 279 is a great resource for people who need a extra grocery help during the week, but during the current coronavirus pandemic, the number of customers have doubled.

"On a normal Wednesday, which is our busiest day, we serve between 220 and about 300 on a really busy day. We’re serving about 600 on a Wednesday now," pantry director Cindy Chavez says. 

Chavez says the increase is due to people losing their jobs during the pandemic. 

“Straight up 50 percent of the people we’re seeing right now have never used a pantry in their lifetime," Chavez says. 

Chavez says it’s disheartening to see more people using the service. She says the pandemic has brought in a new client mix of grad students, retail workers and business professionals.

“They’re hitting these food pantries for the first time in their lives. They’re scared. They don’t know what to do. They’re confused. They feel bad. They’re embarrassed. They don’t want to be here, but they have kids at home that need to eat," Chavez says. 

A photo of fresh produce at Pantry 279.
Chavez says the most important item the pantry distributes to families is fresh produce. (Ethan Burks, WFIU/WTIU)

With more patrons, the pantry requested help from the National Guard to pass out food. The soldiers started working this week to pass out food in a drive-thru system to limit contact with customers.

The soldiers and other volunteers are equipped with masks and gloves to be safe. 

“Oh, they’re wonderful. They are helping so much," Chavez says.

Chavez says they keep the staff down to seven to 10 of the same people to lower the chances of cross-contamination.

She says the pantry will continue this system as long as the community needs it. The pantry is open Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. 

For more information visit Pantry 279's Facebook page. 

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.

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