Van Buren County has opened a food bank to serve those in need.
Van Buren County Mayor Greg Wilson said the idea of a nonperishable food pantry first came up during an emergency meeting. Wilson and County Commissioners were discussing options in April as the coronavirus shutdown began.
“It was mainly for the elderly that could not get out to be able to get food to them or anybody that was in high risk categories for the COVID-19,” Wilson said.
The county received some $15,000 in grant money from the Tennessee Department of Children Services through a mentoring grant. Wilson said out of his options, he decided to use the money for a
food bank.
“We have not spent that $15,000 yet, but that has to be expended by the end of June,” Wilson said. “Right now, the fund are going to be exclusively used for the food bank.”
Wilson said now with a 20 percent unemployment rate in the county, the food bank is still as important as ever. Van Buren’s Parks and Recreation Department runs the food pantry. Wilson said he asked them to coordinate the food bank since the coronavirus shut down the parks.
Wilson said the Tennessee Valley Authority and Caney Fork also donated to the food pantry. For anyone in need of a food delivery or interested in donating, call 931-946-2314 or 931-946-2435.
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