Summertime typically means a lull in food pantry donations, and many local organizations are seeing a slight increase in those in need.
With students home for the summer, school food drives aren’t going on, said Kelly Humphrey, director of marketing and development with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. Locals also are busy with summer plans.
“We just don’t get the normal volume of donations,” Humphrey said.
Besides nonperishable items, Catholic Charities needs baby diapers, she said.
More people have come to Harvest House in Destin seeking help this summer than in the past, said Lori Joyner, the pantry’s executive director.
July’s rainy weather likely put a damper on tourism and therefore locals’ money, she said.
“People are just trying to make ends meet,” Joyner said. “It always seems like things are on an increase.”
Harvest House always needs nonperishable foods as well as men’s clothing for its thrift shop.
Many people believe they have to be out of work to qualify to use the food pantry, said Pat Futch, a volunteer with Sharing & Caring in Fort Walton Beach. Sharing & Caring helps anyone in a crisis who needs food staples.
“When somebody’s down and out, we want to be there to help them,” Futch said.
At the First Baptist Church of Mary Esther, people hurt by the tourism lag and sequestration have been asking for help, said Loree Arrington.
The church recently joined Ample Harvest, an organization that makes it easier for backyard gardeners and farmers to track down pantries. By working with Ample Harvest, Arrington hopes more fresh fruits and vegetables will find their way to the pantry.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to provide healthier food choices for people,” she said.
All items, from nonperishable food to baby supplies, are welcome, she said.
“It’s a blessing to help people,” Arrington said. “The needs are great in our community.”