During the holiday season, people tend to be in a giving nature and local food pantries across Iowa see an increase of usage.

Greene County Action Resource Center Site Manager Diane Blackmer says in December, they help give their clients main entree items like turkey or ham to hopefully save for Christmas. She points out that they also receive several more donations from individuals, organizations and businesses during the holiday season to keep up with the increased need. While non-perishable items are always accepted, Blackmer adds that monetary donations are also welcomed.

“That allows us to really stretch the money. As much as possible, we buy things through the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines. Prices there average about $0.16 per pound, whether it’s canned vegetables or meat. They don’t have a lot of meat, but when they do, that’s $0.16 per pound.”

Blackmer says they are in need of non-perishable items to go with a Christmas dinner like stuffing mix and cranberry sauce. Additional items include: canned pork and beans, canned fruit and spaghetti sauce. ARC also provides free clothing in children and adult sizes, household items like bed sheets and blankets, kitchen items like pans and dishes and they have a storage unit for furniture items as well.

ARC is open every Wednesday from 9:30am to noon. Blackmer says donations can be accepted during that time or anyone can contact her at 370-0650 to set up a time to donate items outside of their normal hours of operation.