ALLEGAN, Mich. — The Allegan County Food Pantry will permanently close its doors Oct. 2.
The pantry announced the closure Monday on Facebook, saying its board of directors made the decision after “much thought and careful consideration.”
The pantry did not give a reason for the closure.
In its announcement, the pantry thanked its donors, volunteers and the community members it has served over the years. It also acknowledged that the need for food assistance continues and directed people to call 2-1-1 to find other resources.
The pantry was unable to speak with News Channel 3 by deadline.
There are still other options in the area.
The Cheshire Township Little Free Pantry is another resource available.
Carl and Heather Klotz, who operate the pantry, said people do not need identification or proof of income to receive help. They also do not have to provide their real name.
The pantry provides food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medication and hygiene products. It is available seven days a week by appointment through a phone call or text.
The pantry began about three to four years ago as a small food-sharing effort and has since grown to include two 8-by-10-foot sheds and freezers.
Carl Klotz said they typically help two to three families a week, with that number recently increasing to four or five.
“It’s honestly heartbreaking seeing a consistent source of food get removed from people’s arsenal of resources,” Klotz said.
The pantry is funded in part through scrap collected from community members, along with donated food, cash and other items. The Klotzes also work with other people and organizations to share supplies.
The pantry said its biggest challenge is providing perishable items because the sheds do not have electricity and there are no scheduled operating hours.
What residents can do
Lena Buys, an Allegan resident, said the closure is difficult for people who rely on the pantry.
“It is tragic that they are shutting down,” Buys said. “We really need the help in our community right now.”
Heart of West Michigan United Way serves Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties and supports 2-1-1, a 24-hour service that connects people with local resources.
Becki Postma, the organization’s chief impact officer, said United Way had only recently learned about the pantry’s closure.
“We’re just learning about it just like everyone else,” Postma said.
Postma said 2-1-1 can connect people with food pantries and other services based on their location. Callers provide their ZIP code and can receive information about nearby resources, including addresses, hours and contact information.
The service can also connect people with assistance for utilities, shelter and other needs.
Melanie Weaver, director of social services for the Salvation Army in Holland, said her organization has already seen an increase in people using its food pantry.
Weaver estimated the pantry has seen about a 20% increase in people using the service so far this year compared with last year.
She said the Salvation Army serves parts of Allegan County, and people from the area are welcome to use its food pantry in Holland if they can make the trip.
The organization’s pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“We’ve already seen an increase in our food pantry these last few months,” Weaver said. “Our shelves were getting pretty bare with all the extra people we were seeing.”
Weaver said the cost of food and gas, along with the approaching holiday season, could contribute to increased demand.
There are other food pantries in the Allegan area, including the food pantry at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Hands of Grace Food Pantry through Allegan United Methodist Church.
People looking for food assistance can also call 2-1-1, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to find resources near them.