While some food pantries help folks through holidays, one local food pantry is helping folks year round.

With the economic times the way they are, the Salt Creek Resource Center in Farmer City has a food pantry open year round to meet the needs of residents who are in need of some assistance putting food on their tables. Hope Castle is the Chairperson for the Resource Center, she says the goal of the food pantry is to be there for families when they do not have anywhere else to turn.

[audio:foodpantry1.mp3]A Word From Castle[/audio]

The Farmer City Food Pantry will sell fresh produce depending on the season. Castle says this is something unique the food pantry does for those who need it, and she says the folks that utilize the food pantry's services are very grateful to them for providing fresh produce.

[audio:foodpantry2.mp3]A Word From Castle[/audio]

Like most food pantry's, the Farmer City Food Pantry would not be functional without the support of the community. Castle says the community and organizations in it have been extremely generous in their donating of food. She also gives credit to her volunteers that come in and make sure everything is organized for those that come for food.

[audio:foodpantry3.mp3]A Word From Castle[/audio]

The summer months see almost 80 families utilizing the food pantry. Castle says during the winter months they will help almost 100 families. There are no requirement to take advantage of the food pantry. Castle says if a family feels they need assistance, the Food Pantry is there to help.

For more information on how you can donate items to the food pantry, volunteer, or take advantage of the Food Pantry's services, you can contact them at 309-928-2530 or visit their new facility at 701 East Clinton Avenue in Farmer City.