The first Ruby’s Pantry food distribution was held at Platteville United Methodist Church May 5. 

Sixty volunteers moved pallets of food, repackaged food, and registered guests. For a $20 cash donation guests left with an abundance of food, incuding ice cream, paper towels, Canadian bacon, jam, potatoes and pizza. Each month the food items will change.

Distributions will continue the first Thursday of every month. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m., and distribution goes from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There are no income or residency requirements to participate in a Ruby’s Pantry food distribution. Guests should bring two boxes — laundry baskets work well.  

Volunteers are needed; call volunteer coordinator Deb Putnam, 348-6574.

Ruby’s Pantry receives no state or federal funding and relies on the $20 donation per participant to pay bills. Ruby’s Pantry is in its 14th year of serving rural communities with donated food from manufacturers and distributers. The organization is part of Home and Away Ministries, which has distribution centers in Waupaca and North Branch, Minn. For further information go to rubyspantry.org.