Need to feed your family during the holidays? The Glenrock Area Food Pantry can help

Imagine not knowing where your next meal is coming from, or if you have enough money to buy groceries to feed your children on any particular night.

Food insecurity is an ongoing dilemma in the world today – even right here at home within our community.

The Glenrock Area Food Pantry (GAFP) serves anywhere from 60 to 80 families each during their twice-per-month food distribution days, according to Melissa Hershley, the organization’s president.

Hershley said the numbers have even gone up as much as 100 families at a couple of the distributions.

And, that’s not all. During November, 104 families signed up for Thanksgiving boxes.

“We are expecting that many for Christmas. The price of a box varies, depending on the size of the family and cost for the items that year. Average (cost) is $50 a box. Last year we spent around $8,500 on our holiday boxes and distributed right around 190 boxes, if I remember correctly,” Hershley said.

GAFP volunteers are expecting at least that number of families to sign up for the Christmas food boxes distribution, as well.

“Christmas distribution is Dec. 19, people can sign up now for boxes, but you must sign up during the regular distribution in December.”

Regular distribution dates are the first and third Wednesdays of every month for those in the 82637 zip code. Upcoming dates for this month are Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Bronco Building at 506 W. Birch St. in Glenrock.

“We couldn’t do any of this without the wonderful support of the Town of Glenrock, the mayor and council. The mayor and council of Rolling Hills have also been very generous to us. And, our amazing director, Ken Young, to our regular volunteers JB Wollen, Kassia Atkinson, Stormie Schifferns, Crissy Wobig, and Glenda (no last name provided) . . . without them it would not be possible (to do what we do),” Hershley said.

In addition to Hershley, the GAFP board consists of Amber George (vice president), Jilian Helmey (treasurer), Katie Faria (secretary), Mahonri Williams and Debra Genger (members).

Anyone wishing to help with Christmas boxes or to volunteer to help in other ways can reach out to Hershley at 307-277-7151. Or, if using Venmo is easier, please send it via @Melissa-Hershley and mention it is for GAFP Christmas box donations.

Additionally, the food pantry always welcomes non-perishable food items at all times.