KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffMore than 600 benefit from Food Pantry in Pemiscot County

More than 600 benefit from Food Pantry in Pemiscot County

By Holly Brantley

CARUTHERSVILLE, MO - (KFVS) A first of it's kind mobile unit in Southeast Missouri rolled into Caruthersville Saturday. Organizers say few communities need it more as Pemiscot county is one of the poorest in the country.

"We've been extremely busy," said Day of Hope Pastor, Karen Hartung. "They were lining up at 3 a.m."

More than 600 people in Pemiscot county were able to benefit from what's being called a new plan of attack in the fight against hunger. The Mobile Food Pantry is a six bay delivery truck transformed into a rolling distribution center.

"The economy is changing," said Hartung. "But, Main Street is not getting better."

The truck is filled with canned, fresh, and frozen items for needy families. Here, they not only offer food, but hygiene items and free blood pressure checks.

"All they have to do is bring identification, and we get them registered so we know how we can help," said Hartung.

Day of Hope is a non profit ministry in Pemiscot County. This week they teamed up with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank as the Mobile Delivery Truck makes it's debut. This shipment brought in 10,000 pounds of food. 

Meanwhile, Day of Hope networks with a variety of charities through out the year to bring food to the community on the third Saturday of each month. 

"I come every month," said Perry Handy Junior.

In order for families to visit the Mobile Food Pantry they must meet 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Right now the pantry is currently scheduling more weekly stops in other Southeast Missouri Communities in need.