Food pantry leaders are excited about the response to their appeal for help

The operation of the food pantry at First Lutheran Church in Decorah is about to change.

Around three dozen people attended a meeting at the church Monday afternoon to discuss the future of the food pantry.  The program has grown in popularity and needs a new location in Decorah that will allow them to better serve their clients. 

But Food Pantry volunteer Jud Barclay says the group is also making an effort to involve other churches in the operation of the program.  That's why the program will get a new name: "Decorah Community Food Pantry."

Barclay says the food pantry will remain faith-based, but letters will be sent out to area churches asking them to appoint a volunteer to the food pantry's board.  Already a number of churches have agreed to name a representative on the food pantry board.

Barclay says the food pantry has "clearly outgrown" its location and First Lutheran Church and is looking for a new location.  But that search might take a year or two, so the group is making organizational changes right now that will leave it in better shape for the future.

Check out http://www.firstlutherandecorah.org/ministries/food-pantry/website for more information on the Community Food Pantry.