By Sierra Solis
The Zionsville Food Pantry is open to any Boone County resident in need of help, and its volunteers are reporting an increase in clients heading into the holiday season.
Volunteer Nancy Thompson attributes the increase to several factors, including changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which resulted in 100 new families using the food pantry. She said as residents turn on their heaters when the weather cools, they pay higher utility bills and may have more of a need for assistance in other areas.
The food pantry has been a Gleaners Food Bank agency for 15 years. It is located in the education wing of Zionsville Presbyterian Church. There are no requirements to receive food assistance. Clients are allowed to use its resources once per week.
“We urge families in need of food assistance to come register and shop during weekly service hours. We do have a proxy program that families can be served if they are unable to get to the pantry due to health, etc.,” Thompson said.
Community members are given opportunities to support the food pantry through food drives coordinated with local Scout troops, Zionsville schools, the Zionsville Post Office, Ascension Health and other local organizations. Marsh in Boone Village is collecting food and cash donations. Other local business also have contributed to the cause.
In conjunction with Zionsville Presbyterian Church, the food pantry offers prayer before service hours for anyone who wants to attend. This is not required to receive assistance, but it is open to anyone in the community.
“Our main mission is to provide food assistance in a safe, non-threatening environment with a loving, gracious, non-judgmental spirit,” Thompson said.
Location: Zionsville Presbyterian church, 4775 W. 116th St., room 109 in the education wing, enter south doors at ramp
Hours: Service hours are Thursdays 5 to 6 p.m. and Fridays noon to 2 p.m., closed Nov. 24 and 25 and Dec. 22-23. Service for these holidays is the prior week.
