The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is open and they have food, but they need volunteers and how you pick up the food has changed.
Pantry spokesperson Guy Hansen says the pantry remains open at regular distribution times, Mondays from 3-6pm, Wednesdays 4-7pm and Saturdays 10:30am-1pm.
Hansen says there was a false rumor that you couldn't go to the Food Pantry without a permit, which is not true.
"We are keeping the customers and the volunteers separate. The customers do not come in the pantry anymore. We pre-pack the food, and then as the customers come and get their priority number as they get in the parking lot we will bring food out. We will load it in their trunk or back of their truck..."
Hansen says some of their regular volunteers are not coming in to stay safe at home so they need help...
"So we are short of volunteers. If anybody wants to help out, especially with distribution, Monday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning, they should call the food pantry during the morning and talk to Jane. We can use some extra volunteers..."
Guy Hansen says the local stores are not supplying as much food because of their own needs, but the group Feeding America is supplying food at a reduced price. Government commodities also are coming in. He says more information is available at 715-369-7237 or online at rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org Contact your local pantry in your community for more information.
The Garden Fresh Salad Bowl fundraiser set for Holiday Acres in May has been postponed.
