By RANDY BARTLEY
Staff writer
Being left holding the bag at the Clarion First Presbyterian Church is not a bad thing. In fact it can be life-saving.
The church has established a “Food Bag” ministry that allows area residents to receive a bag filled with numerous “pantry items.”
Those items include canned meat, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and other items.
“We have seen a huge demand across all walks of life,” said Food Bag committee member Elaine Matticks. “Since the program’s inception we have assisted over 100 area families.”
“We serve everyone, no questions asked,” said Matticks. “We have seen people from Oil City, Rimersburg, Sligo and Strattanville. Pretty much the entire county and then some.”
Matticks said while the program started as a result of the COVID-19 quarantine, it will continue after the pandemic is over.
“As long as we see a need, we will continue to do it,” she said. “Going forward we hope to include fresh vegetables and fruit.”
Matticks said the Food Bag program has received support from Cozumel Mexican Restaurant, O’Neil’s Quality Foods, and Sharp Shopper, The Pizza Shop in Knox, church and community members.
“We started out funding the program through our church but when you are buying $1,500 worth of food every month you need some help. We welcome additional contributions.”
The bags are available from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at the church, located at 700 Wood Street, Clarion.