WARSAW â Itâs bittersweet.
If you run a food pantry, you take heart from helping others. But with the arrival of the COVID-19 outbreak locally in March 2020, the number of people seeking help increased dramatically.
Families. Retirees. People who suddenly found themselves jobless and struggling, amid statewide shutdowns and isolation orders.
One year later, the numbers have begun to recede slightly in some areas. And the pantries have had a chance to reflect on the experience.
âIt is one of those bittersweet things where you donât necessarily want to know this kind of ministry is being used in an increasing way . Itâs one of those things we love to be able to provide for the community, but when usage is up, that means food insecurity is up,â said Pastor Katrina Macaluso of the United Church of Warsaw. âAs a pastor thatâs not something that makes you feel good. We love to be able to serve the community, but it hurts our heart to know that th