Ritzville Food Pantry remains open

RITZVILLE — “We have plenty of food!” Ritzville Pantry food bank volunteer JoAnn Shockley told a patron arriving at the end of Wednesday’s shift.

“The community has been donating very generously,” volunteer Nadia Reimer said.

The Pantry, located at 104 Main Street, is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

They are observing social distancing procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic by asking patrons to maintain six foot spacing and not stay to chat after receiving their food.

“Volunteers are bagging all the food, and handing it to people at the door to protect us and them,” Reimer said. “They used to hand-pick the food. This is a little safer for everyone. No one comes in.”

The team of volunteers is headed by Director Carol Ewing and Assistant Director Robert Shockley.

“We have a wonderful team of people dedicated to come regularly every Wednesday. Director Carol Ewing does a wonderful job. She is in self-quarantine this week with a sick family member, but normally she is out in the weather directing traffic,” Reimer said. “We also have volunteers from different churches who come and go.”

The Pantry served 83 people April 1, 90 people March 25 and 100 people March 18.