Food pantry struggles to keep up with demand

CHARLOTTE — Hearts United for Good off North Tryon Street near NoDa distributes food to families in need between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. every Wednesday. Workers there have seen that need grow.

‘When we run short, we come over here and get some food until we get some extra money to buy some food,” said Stanley Moten.

Executive Director Bethany McDonald said the nonprofit distributed 744 bags packed with groceries so far this month, which is four times as many compared to two years ago.

Inflation and the reduction in SNAP benefits have contributed to the demand, McDonald said.

‘We’re just constantly trying to find a way to not only give food, but we try to help in any way possible,” she said.

Families can also pick up diapers, pet food, personal hygiene items, and children’s books to bring home.

McDonald’s short-term goal is to provide more produce, protein, and dairy products in distribution bags.

It’s a service that doesn’t go unnoticed.

“(I) have blessings for everyone who is doing this for us, the community,” Moten said.

Hearts United for Good also provides clothing, household items, and technology resources to people in need.

Click here to learn more.

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