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The Elgin Food Bank is seeing steady need from local families, and Pastor Bob Crump says the stability is both unusual and concerning.
He says the number of people using the food bank rarely goes up or down.
Crump says they’re thankful to not see those sharp increases, because he doesn’t know how they would keep the shelves full in that situation
The biggest change is who needs help. A few years ago, most visitors were seniors. Now, younger families with children make up the largest group.
Crump and his wife volunteer at the local school and see the impact firsthand.
He adds many first-time visitors arrive in tears, overwhelmed by having to ask for help.
After a few visits, he says, new clients often feel comfortable because of the kindness and understanding of the people and volunteers at the food bank.
The RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food Campaign rolls into Elgin on Saturday from 9:00 AM until noon Gordanier Freshmart in support of the Elgin Food Bank.
Then in Westport from noon until 4 at Kudrinko’s. In support of the Westport Food Bank.