Local food pantries see summer numbers increase

There is no doubt summer break is the time of year many students and their families look forward to, but it is also a time where they might develop the most need.

Dadeville’s Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry executive director Charissa Reynolds said since school has been out the pantry has seen about a 20% increase with children being seen in line with parents. Camp Hill’s Oak Street Community Center executive director Darcy Corbitt said her pantry normally gives out 6,000 pounds of food during its hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays. This summer, the pantry has increased that number by 1,000 with the average number of visits going up. However, Corbitt said she cannot say more people are using it than normal, but they are getting more food.