Emergency mobile food pantry at fairgrounds Thursday

Amid a pandemic causing furloughs and layoffs, many community members have been struggling to bring food into their homes. In an attempt to ease hunger issues, a local non-profit says there will be an Emergency Mobile Food Pantry this week at the Dyer County Fairgrounds.

Matthew 25:40 Director Melissa Brubaker said the food-distribution event will be in Dyersburg from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

The food event is a partnership between Mid-South Food Bank and local non-profits, Matthew 25:40 and the Dyersburg Salvation Army. The food bank’s goal for the “Feed the Need” event, is to lighten the load placed on many non-profits because of school closures, social-distancing and government mandates. Since March, the Mid-South Food Bank has given out approximately 3.6 million pounds of food in a variety of different ways – one of which is mobile food pantries.

According to Matthew 25:40, the event is a first-come, first-serve basis. Families are limited to one box of food, per household. Only two families are allowed in a vehicle.

To make the process run smoothly, organizers ask that participants stay in their vehicles during the distribution. Also, event attendees should have their vehicles cleaned out with space available for foods before arriving at the fairgrounds.

Additionally, community members should bring their proof of residency to the mobile food pantry. This can be in the form of a driver’s license, photo identification or mail. Vouchers will not be needed to receive assistance.

Brubaker said the food pantry is not to be confused with the "Feed the Need" program.

For more information, community members can call Matthew 25:40, at 731-286-9054.