GLADSTONE -- Last year about 218 families were helped by St. Vincent de Paul's food pantry in Gladstone, and with the food supply reaching an all-time low, officials are asking the public for help.
The walls are normally stacked with 60 boxes of food at this time of year. Right now there are about eight or ten boxes of food.
Some farmers do bring in fresh vegetables, but the pantry is also greatly in need of fruit, venison, and canned goods. However, officials said that toiletries, dish, and laundry detergent are also high on the needs list, especially with the busiest time coming up.
"Usually it's at Christmas time and Thanksgiving time, but in the last year, we have seen no break; it's been so high," said board member Bob Hites.
With the pantry being so low on food, it is especially tough during the holiday season with surplus Thanksgiving food going to the Christmas boxes. Officials say without help, it'll be a tough holiday season for families in need.
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