Fort Myers food pantry sees rising demand, helps 5,000 in a month

FORT MYERS, Fla.—Here at the McGregor Baptist Church Food Pantry, one of the 175 partner agencies for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, volunteers sort through pallets of food to give to the community.

Just last month, the Food Pantry helped more than 5,000 people, and the need continues to grow exponentially. 

"But the basic thing is, we've got people coming that need help, and so part of the help that we can give them is the food, and that food that we provide for them is not just for one meal, it's for several meals, maybe several days. And during the time that we're giving them that food, they can use that money they would have spent on food, on either medicines or rent or whatever they need to have," said Bob Fain.

Bob Fain, the director of the Food Pantry, tells WINK News anchor Corey Lazar that the need never stops.

"You know, our population grows, and as the population grows, there's always going to be an element of people that need help. Sometimes it's because they made bad choices. Oftentimes, it's not oftentimes it's because things have just happened, jobs left, the car broke down, there was an illness in the family that busted the whole savings that they had worked hard to save up, and they were just at wits' end. They didn't know where to go. And so the food pantries like this one and like 70 others here in Lee County are that lifeline that they can reach out to say, I need help," said Fain.

Nora Lockhart says she is on disability and has trouble paying for enough food.

"I worked all my life, and now to be in this position is just not very good."

"Now, one of the things we deal with here is the pride of people coming in that front door. And for many people, they've never had to ask for anything. And when they come in the door, we meet them with a smile. We're glad you're here. It could be me coming in that door next week. And so, we want them to feel welcome coming in," said Fain.

The McGregor Baptist Food Pantry, along Fowler Street in Fort Myers, is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to Noon and from 1 to 3 p.m.