by Gerri Peterson The holiday season oftentimes coincides with the largest donations to the Mullen Food Pantry.
Located in the basement of the Assembly of God Church, the food pantry originated in the Hooker County Courthouse over 25 years ago.
If you or someone you know needs to utilize the food pantry, call the Hooker County Sheriff’s Office at 308-5462290, or any local pastor.
The need for the Mullen Food Pantry varies greatly, but they are called upon year round - and also take donations year round.
When making donations to the Mullen Food Pantry, Pastor Ben and Jamie Hart of the Assembly of God Church gave these tips:
•Name brands are more apt to be chosen by food pantry users than generic brands
•Please check expiration dates on items before donating •Do not donate items that are already open
•They don’t get many gluten-free donations
•Can openers are oftentimes needed
•Wheat noodles don’t go over well
•They are often overran with soups and canned vegetables and fruits
•When donating, think outside the box… or can - items they don’t get a lot of are salad dressings, cooking oils, spices, flour, sugar, syrup, pancake/ waffle mix and snack items like crackers and granola bars
•The Mullen Food Pantry has a chest freezer, so they can also take donations like hamburger, sausage, butter, bread, frozen pizza, etc.
•They will take donations of toiletries such as deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, Kleenexes, etc., along with cleaning supplies, as well When you shop at Macke’s Grocery, there is also an option to donate reward points to the Mullen Food Pantry.
Another way of thinking outside the box when you donate - purchase paper gift certificates at Macke’s that can be designated to purchase items such as milk, eggs, cheese or fresh produce.
Monetary donations can also be made to the food pantry through Dayspring Bank in Mullen for the Mullen Emergency Action account.
The Mullen Food Pantry is grateful for all of the support they continue to receive.