Masons, FUMC help Food Share pantries meet holiday shortages

LIKE MOST FOOD PANTRIES across the nation, Newton Food Share is not receiving enough donations to meet the need, so Kathy Miller (above) of the First United Methodist Church went shopping. Left, Angela Powell and Cody Wood of the DeWitt Clinton Lodge #291 helped Jasper Share with a van full of groceries donated by Masons and Eastern Star.

"The Newton community is not immune to the nationwide food shortage for charitable organizations," according to Joe Miller Jr., pastor of First United Methodist Church.

Miller says Newton Food Share has helped 737 households, 1,609 people, in the first 11 months of last year.

"A large portion of those that we help are elderly who are on a fixed income. With the cost of gasoline and food rising, they have been hit very hard," said Miller.

RSVP volunteers at the Jasper Share point out that when a pantry supplies groceries, then the elderly may have enough to pay the higher utility bills for heating.

Newton Food Share is located in the old hospital on Main Street. To donate food, cash or to volunteer your time, contact Charlet Meyer of the Newton County Extension Office at 379- 4831.

Courtesy photos

Jasper Share is in the northeast corner of the Baskins shopping center on S. Wheeler. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Both pantries purchase food from Southeast Texas Food Bank in Beaumont to stretch the dollars as far as possible, but they gladly accept donations of nonperishable food, or cash to purchase whatever they are lacking. Hygiene items like soap and toothpaste are also always welcome, according to the volunteers at Jasper Share.