Food pantry numbers down slightly in '12
By W. WINSTON SKINNERwinston@newnan.com
The Coweta Community Food Pantry served a slightly lower number in 2012, compared with 2011.
Derenda Rowe, who directs the pantry, says she is not sure why the numbers are lower and what – if anything – those lower numbers say about Coweta’s economy. Rowe said the food pantry served about 18,000 people in 2012, down from a high of 20,000 in 2011.
She said some food pantry clients may have gone back to work and may no longer need food or may need it less frequently. Rowe also noted there are other groups distributing food.
Rowe also said pantry staff and volunteers encourage people to apply for food stamps. If more people have applied – and been approved – for food stamps, that could reduce the number of people coming to the pantry.
Rowe said the food pantry and One Roof have been requiring more documentation recently from people needing help. She said the food pantry is still serving 40-50 families most days.
