(Sunman, IN) — A longtime area food pantry has plenty of food to distribute, but the number of families coming through its doors has dropped sharply.
Sandy Wagner, who greets and signs in clients at the Sunman Food Pantry, said the pantry once routinely served around 30 families on a Saturday morning and sometimes as many as 40.
Lately, she said, turnout has fallen to around 10 to 15 families, with some Saturdays seeing even fewer.
“We want to help more people, but they’re just not coming in,” Wagner said. “I’m concerned that people aren’t utilizing the pantry.”
Wagner said she is not sure why fewer families are visiting. Some may not realize the pantry exists, while others may feel uncomfortable asking for help.
“I know it’s embarrassing to have to go to the food pantry,” Wagner said. “But I just want people to be aware.”
The pantry operates from the St. John’s United Church of Christ Parish Hall in the Penntown area at 8917 E. County Road 1300 N., Sunman. It has operated there since 1982.
Wagner said the parish hall is about 100 yards from the four-way stop near State Road 46. A large sign identifying the Sunman Food Pantry stands outside the building.
Sunman Food Pantry
Where: St. John’s United Church of Christ Parish Hall, 8917 E. County Road 1300 N., Sunman
When: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
What to bring: No identification or documentation is required.
Information requested: Name, town, county and number of people in the household.
Families can receive many of the same basic items they would normally purchase at a grocery store, Wagner said. That includes eggs, milk, butter, fresh produce, meat, canned foods, pasta, baked goods, laundry detergent and personal-care items.
Diapers are also available for families with babies, and Wagner said the pantry frequently has additional items available for clients to take.
There is no requirement to show a driver’s license, residency letter or other documentation. Wagner said visitors are asked only for their name, town, county and household size because the amount of food distributed is based in part on family size.
The pantry primarily serves Ripley County and families within the Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corp. area, but Wagner said people from surrounding communities have also received assistance.
She said clients have come from Versailles, Osgood, Milan, Batesville and communities in Franklin and Dearborn counties.
“We have so much food,” Wagner said. “I don’t care where they’re coming from. I just want to help.”
Wagner said using the pantry for groceries could also free up household income for electric bills, gasoline and other expenses.
The pantry will also begin registering families for its Christmas program. Wagner said those wishing to participate will need to sign up in person at the pantry because complete mailing addresses are no longer collected during regular pantry registration.
For Wagner, the message is simple: The food is there, the pantry is open and families who could use a little help are welcome.
