GASTONIA, N.C. — Linda Good relies on the box of food that she gets once a month. She is disabled and gets just $26 a month in food stamps.
“You can't do but so much with that amount,” she said.
Now, Good worries the pantry that provides free food for her and so many others may be forced to close its doors.
“This pantry means a lot to me,” Good said.
Members of Living Water Community Worship Center have operated a pantry across the street from their church for four years.
“We serve 200 to 300 families a month,” said pantry operator Latrelle McClain.
Two weeks ago, they received a letter from the city questioning whether the old house where the food is kept is up to code.
They are also investigating whether having a pantry there violates code for the residential community.
“If Code Enforcement comes back and says the building doesn't pass, then we will have to shut down temporarily,” McClain said.
McClain said all of the food is donated. It is too much to store in the small church and they don't have the money to move.
“It will hurt my heart if we have to shut down the pantry,” McClain said.
City officials said they don't want to shut down the pantry. A neighbor complained to them about the crowds of people who come to get free food.
An inspector noticed damage outside and asked to inspect the inside.
The letter said if necessary, there will be a public hearing to decide if the pantry should be repaired or demolished.
Church members said that Home Depot has offered to donate materials to repair the pantry and some professionals have volunteered to do the work. That's welcomed assistance that may not help if the city decides the area is not zoned for a pantry.