People are "scared and hurting:" Local food pantry experiences surge in demand

(AURORA, Ind.) – A local food pantry is hoping for financial assistance as they are experiencing a surge in demand due to the cuts to SNAP benefits. 

The Clearinghouse in Dearborn County had typically served 30 residents per day, however, that number has risen above 60 per day due to the federal government shutdown.

“We are seeing people who used to donate to us are now the ones needing help,” said Clearinghouse executive director Karry Hollan. 

The food pantry is struggling to stay afloat as a federal grant they used to receive was cancelled earlier this year.  That grant helped fund the purchase of food. 

To make matters worse, Hollan says donations they typically received from the community are down 50 percent this year. 

Hollan describes the clients they have served this week as “scared and hurting.”

The Clearinghouse is in need of local financial assistance. While they appreciate food donations, the most important item they need is money. 

“For every can of food you buy, the food pantry can buy three cans with that amount of money due to the sources we have,” Hollan explained. 

You can donate online by clicking here or by sending a check to the Clearinghouse at this address:

Dearborn County Clearinghouse 

P.O. Box 478

Aurora, Indiana 47001 

The Aurora location at 411 George Street is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.

Their Lawrenceburg location at Beecher Presbyterian Church is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lawrenceburg location on Wednesdays. 

The food pantry typically serves around 16,000 people in Dearborn and Ohio counties annually.