Shelves stocked with food fill the walls of the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Iron Mountain. However, volunteers know this supply won’t last long. The pantry is witnessing more visitors than ever.
Frances Gundlach, the vice president, notes that the demand is growing. “People’s needs are greater,” she explains. Some visitors ask for cleaning supplies too, which are harder to come by. When they do have those items, they make sure to share.
With rising prices on basic groceries like eggs, many residents depend on St. Vincent de Paul to help keep their homes stocked. In 2024, the pantry saw a 20% increase in the number of people it served.
Mary Gagala, the food pantry president, emphasizes the importance of support from local grocers and schools. “We actually measured the food we received this year. One school donated 1,600 pounds, and another contributed over 900 pounds,” she shared.
The pantry operates with just 23 members, which makes volunteer help essential. Gagala welcomed more hands to join their efforts. “Some volunteers come only in the summer or winter. Others help weekly or every other week. We are always in need of more volunteers,” she said.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can learn about joining or donating by visiting the St. Vincent de Paul Iron Mountain website.
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Iron Mountain,St. Vincent DePaul,Food Pantries,Tariffs
