Local food pantry receives 1,000lbs donation of rice and beans

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Community members came together to help put food back on the shelves at a local pantry.

Volunteers with the Quail Springs United Methodist Church gathered Wednesday evening to package bags of rice and beans for Skyline Urban Outreach.

While there has always been a need to fill the shelves, members tell us it is needed now more than ever because of the government cutbacks affecting those who need assistance the most.

"Our members appropriated enough money that they purchased 1,000lbs," Dave Ranek, board member of Skyline Urban Outreach said. "700 pounds of beans and 300 of rice."

A plea for help has been answered once again.

Months ago, Quail Springs United Methodist Church donated rice and beans to Skyline Urban Outreach, items they desperately needed on their shelves.

The time came again when donations were a necessity, but the church wanted to go bigger.

"We're taking those from 50lb bags to 1lb bags so they can be a part of their food resource center there and help those who are struggling, because with lowered governmental assistance, people are hurting," Pastor Kurt Moelling said.

Food pantries are struggling now more than ever, and they say federal cutbacks are a big reason why.

"It sounds like a lot, about a bag for a thousand families, but in July, we served 2985 families for grocery shopping," Ranek said.

This is why both gentlemen say it is so important for the community to step up and help.

"It's a great opportunity for us," Ranek said. "They're having a good time, and Skyline is just blown away. Our church has been one of the big supporters of providing the food."

"We're just happy to be able to do it, or we've been blessed that we're able to do that," Pastor Kurt said. "It fills our hearts to be able to do that, to be able to help folks."

The food was packaged on Wednesday evening so it would be on the shelves for people on Thursday.

However, they know just how quickly it will go, which is why they are urging everyone in the community to do their part.

"Instead of wasting food, they're getting what their family wants and would enjoy eating," Pastor Kurt said.

"When they check out and bag up their groceries, there's no pressure on them or their family for what they would be basically without," Ranek said. "I say we're just trying to be a helping hand."

If you are interested in donating to your local food bank, non-perishables, fresh produce and of course, just money are what are needed most right now.