PARKERSBURG - Despite signs the economy is creeping toward recovery, local food pantries say demand for their services are increasing or at least staying steady.
At the Parkersburg Urban Ministries, the Rev. Lisa Taylor said they have seen an increase in residents needing assistance for the first time. She runs the office at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Market Street.
"We have people who come here month after month and we have some who have come in for the first time," she said. "Those coming for the first time are looking for information and we serve them or direct them to resources."
Food pantries in the Wood County Food Pantry Co-op serve specific areas, Taylor said.
"People are asked to stay in a particular area," she said.
"We are flexible on certain situations and remind them that in the future they need to go to a different pantry."
Taylor said they see a mix of families, individuals, homeless and transients in the downtown location
Patsy Bibbee, director of the food pantry at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Parkersburg, said they have seen their demand stay at a steady pace. She said the pantry has been operating for more than 20 years, but is not a member of the Wood County Food Pantry Co-op
"We've seen a few new people," she said. "We see families and individuals and a mix of all ages."
Sue Rhymer, director of the Good Samaritan Center at Wayside United Methodist Church in Vienna, said the center is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. While the non-denominational center is located at Wayside, it is supported by 14 churches in Vienna and is a member of the Wood County Food Co-op.
She said in 2009 the center gave food to 68 families or 157 people and helped 70 people financially with utilities and prescriptions. She said the average monthly expenditure is $3,880.
Recently the number of people coming for food help has grown, she said.
"We are seeing many people who are new to us," she said. "About one-third have not been here before."
Rhymer said the center receives food from the Mountaineer Food Bank as well donations of food from the community.
Debbie Shahan, director of the food pantry at First Lutheran Parkersburg, said they have seen more people than usual requesting help for food.
"Typically we serve 15 to 16 people a month and this time last year it was eight to 12," she said. "How many we served varies from month to month."
Shahan said the people who come to the pantry at First Lutheran are a mix of people who have come in regularly and those who are in for the first time.
"We have had some who said they used to contribute to food banks and pantries and are now finding themselves coming in and asking for help," she said. "They've worked and suddenly they have lost their jobs. At first they are a little embarrassed, but we are to help when things like this happen."
