Fraternite Notre Dame and Second Harvest will each be offering food pantry services in Gays Mills this week.

Fraternite Notre Dame’s food pantry will be offered on Saturday, October 18 between 1 and 2:30 p.m. They are located at 15287 Turfan Road, Gays Mills.

All families and persons in need are welcome. For more information, call 815-701-7762.

The Second Harvest Foodbank’s mobile food pantry will return to the old Gays Mills Community Building at 212 Main Street on Wednesday, October 22.  Food distribution will be from 2 to 3 p.m. 

Second Harvest patrons do not need to meet income guidelines. Food recipients will be asked if their household income falls above or below 185% of the federal poverty line so that Second Harvest can determine how many mobile pantry patrons would not be eligible to receive food at other local food pantries.  Patrons must initial a sheet indicating that they need food assistance.  They also need to provide the check-in volunteer with the number of people (including children and senior citizens) in the household and their zip code.  First time patrons will be asked how they learned about the mobile food pantry. 

People should bring sturdy bags, boxes, or baskets to hold the food they receive. Volunteers will assist by carrying food to vehicles as needed. 

Volunteers are needed to assist with unloading the truck, setting up the distribution area, handing out food, and cleaning up after the mobile pantry is concluded.  If you want to volunteer, please arrive at the Community Building between 1 and 1:30 pm on mobile pantry dates.  Second Harvest policy does not allow volunteers to receive a food distribution.

Call Lorraine Fortney at 608-735-4690 or Cindy Kohles at 608-872-2184 if you have questions.