Food pantry owner notices increased food insecurity with uptick in visitors

PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria food pantry needs help keeping food on the shelves for those in need.

Porch Pantry’s Charles Martin sees 50 to 70 people every day at the North Ellis St. location, close to pandemic totals.

Despite consistent donations, Martin says food insecurity has increased in the West Bluff.

The pantry needs all types of foods, but especially fresh and ready-to-eat foods, like granola bars, pop-top canned meals, and fruit.

“We have so many avenues now that people can help, that it’s starting to get more broad. I just wish that everybody would do a bit. When everybody has a little bit, a little bit will go a long way,” said Martin.

Food and monetary donations are accepted on site.

The Porch Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week at 1122 N. Ellis Street, located on the corner of Ellis and West Elizabeth in Peoria.

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