DALLAS COUNTY, Mo. (KY3) – One of Dallas County’s largest food pantries may have to shut its doors for good next week. Isaiah 58:7 can no longer afford the building that it’s been using.
The pantry just north of Buffalo opened in October 2021, and Steve McCarty has been getting his groceries from its shelves for almost as long.
“We always save all of our egg cartons and take them out there,” he said, “because (the pantry’s president) buys the eggs in bulk and then puts them into like 12 or 18, so everybody can have eggs. Not many people would take the time to do that.”
But come December 31, all of that could go away.
A pantry board member owns the building and lets the pantry use it rent-free, but the board member is selling the building, and the sale will be finalized next week.
The non-profit has the option to buy the building until December 31, but must come up with $100,000.
So far, the pantry has only raised $1,500.
“I know our community has done as much as they possibly can,” said food pantry president Donna Goeser. “I know a lot of spirit has been there. I know they’ve tried to do as much as much as they can with what they have.”
For those who rely on the pantry for their meals, the news hasn’t been easy.
“It’s kinda handy for us folks down here,” McCarty said, “that don’t like to get out and run all the way to Springfield.”
Keeping the pantry shelves stocked has never been a problem for Isaiah 58:7, but if the pantry doors were to close, all the food would need somewhere to go. Goeser already has a plan in mind.
“It has to be donated to another food pantry,” she said. “We’re gonna obviously take the ones that are more in need and take into consideration them first.”
As for the $1,500 they’ve raised, that will go to Dallas County schools and other food pantry services.
Despite the looming loss, people living in the county are confident in their community’s ability to help those who are losing a vital resource.
“The community pulls together more than people realize,” said Gerry McClellen. “They can post it on Facebook or post it in a private message, and people will help.”
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