How food pantries are preparing for the holidays in Gaston County

Beatriz Guerrero, The Gaston Gazette
·2 min read

Some Gaston County food pantries are facing empty cupboards during the holidays, while others have plenty of food stocked on their shelves.

More Gaston County residents needing help has made it difficult for food pantries this winter.

"We rely on the food that doesn't sell at Food Lion, but it is not enough," said housing monitor at Gastonia's Salvation Army David Hansell. "As soon as we open, we run out of food to give within the next hour or so."

The Salvation Army Food Distribution Center, located at 107 S. Broad St., has been serving Gaston County residents for years, providing them with more than just food.

"We provide shelter and feed others lunch and dinner, so it is difficult to have enough food for the food boxes we give out in the pantry and the cooked food we serve for our residents," Hansell said.

Food pantries in Gaston County are preparing for the holidays by ensuring they have enough food for those in need. The Gastonia Salvation Army, face empty cupboards as donations are used to provide residents with shelter and meals throughout the day.
Food pantries in Gaston County are preparing for the holidays by ensuring they have enough food for those in need. The Gastonia Salvation Army, face empty cupboards as donations are used to provide residents with shelter and meals throughout the day.

During the pandemic, the Salvation Army has had to modify its giveaways as they often do not have enough food or space for those seeking shelter.

"The pandemic played a part in the increase of demand for food. During that time, many people lost their jobs and/or their houses so we did not receive the donations we were hoping for," said Hansell.

“We went from giving out food four days a week, to now, only two times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.,” Hansell said.

Meanwhile, pantries like Blessings Received Each Appointed Day, also known as B.R.E.A.D on Old York Road, and the Greater Gaston Baptist Association on Rankin Lake Road are able to keep a hefty stock of food.

“We have been blessed with the amount of support we receive each day to continue to help others by providing resources they need,” said B.R.E.A.D manager Jill Moore.

Over the years, pantries that solely provide food boxes for those in need have been able to make their donations last throughout the month

Food pantries in Gaston County are experiencing an increase in food need amongst residents. During the holidays some pantries such as B.R.E.A.D, Inc., are have prepared by using monetary grants and donations to ensure they have enough to give and meet the increased needs of the community.
Food pantries in Gaston County are experiencing an increase in food need amongst residents. During the holidays some pantries such as B.R.E.A.D, Inc., are have prepared by using monetary grants and donations to ensure they have enough to give and meet the increased needs of the community.

These organizations have been able to secure enough food for the increase of demand via monetary donations from grants and community members.

"We know that more people will come during the holidays so we try to prepare by making sure we have enough food from stores while making sure no food goes to waste," said Moore.

As it is getting colder outside, pantries that provide other services to those less fortunate battle to obtain enough monetary and food donations to continue their work. These pantries are in desperate need of donations to ensure residents have enough groceries to last them and somewhere warm to sleep at night.

Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: How food pantries are preparing for the holidays in Gaston County NC