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By Hilary Lewis
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Recently opened in June, the Rappahannock Food Pantry already has over 100 families signed up. but according to volunteers, there could be more.
“We're doing well, but we need more people to come and shop. We know that there are a lot more people in this county who need the help,” said Mum Forbes, food pantry manager.
Serving those in need fresh produce, milk, eggs, breads, canned and boxed foods, as well as meats, the food pantry is index'd making an impact, but volunteers know its reach could be larger Tough economic times have hit every walk of life.
“We’re not talking about the poorest of the poor We’re talking about your neighbor next door who’s got six kids and she’s lost her job and his hours were cut back." said Forbes. “They can come here and really know that we have enough food to help them out ."
Perhaps keeping some from taking advantage of the pantry is the stigma of charity, but Forbes emphasizes there an1 no requirements to qualify. If you are in need, they can help
“There’s nothing to be ashamed about. Nobody’s going to look down at you," said Forbes. “There isn’t a volunteer here that isn’t anxious to make sure people get food."
A part of the Fauquier Community Action Committee, the pantry receives boxed and canned goods, breads, cereals, and desserts on days that it is open.
Local farmers working through the Plant-A-Row program donate fresh vegetables of all sorts by the bushel, overwhelming pantry volunteers as not enough shoppers are coming through to claim it. Last week, Plant-A-Row donated 4.r)0 pounds of produce in just two days.
"They can have as much produce as they want, as long as we have plenty of produce," said Forbes. “We have plenty of food to give away."
Forbes said that many people may be intimidated by the paperwork that must be filled out to subscribe to the pantiy, but she said that it is simply a formality and you don’t have to qualify to receive food.
“The information that we are collecting is basically to be
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