The Italy Food Pantry serves people in our communities of Italy, Avalon, Milford and Forreston by helping families to extend their food dollars. Most of our 80 clients are retired, single-parent, disabled, unemployed, and also includes those wonderful people assisting relatives by taking in their children to live with them.

When medicines and other unexpected expenses skyrocket, the first budget item to cut is the food budget. When you are already living close to the edge, this can be catastrophic for your family. The Italy Food Pantry is not a full service grocery source, but it does supply basic necessities that help free up food dollars to purchase other needed food supplies, or to help with other family expenses.

The Italy Food Pantry is located at 405 W. Moseley, on Hwy 77 between the barber shop and Mexican food restaurant. It is open twice a month: the first Monday evening, 5-7 p.m. and the third Wednesday morning, 9-11 a.m. Emergency assistance is also available. Call Susan Wooten, 972-483-7474.

The Italy Food Pantry is supported by the community churches and individual contributions. All donations are used to purchase food, so when a freezer must be replaced, or new shelving is needed, a contribution specific to that need is requested, and its cost does not come out of food donations.

Now there is a need at the Food Pantry — a new storm door. What age began, the winds finished last week, and the door had to be removed. A new storm door, including window film, will cost around $200. We have someone to install the door, but we need donations from the community to purchase the door. If you would like to help, please contact Susan Wooten, 972-483-7474. You can also mail donations to: Italy Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 750, Italy, TX 76651. Thank you!