The Bedford Food Pantry helps provide food to those in need. Being in the thick of the holiday season, more people are reaching out for help. 

The pantry that is set up on School Road in Bedford was a dream of the original organizer Bob Barnhart. Barnhart passed away before seeing his brain child come to fruition but volunteers in the area have brought that dream to life. 

Food is collected by donations from the public as well as businesses. Volunteers said that the local Walmart has been a large source for their donations. They receive food from trucks that have incorrect orders or orders with rejected food, The food isn’t rejected due to its quality but can be rejected for reasons such as not having a long enough shelf life or came in the incorrect amount. 

Suzanne Bowser, a board member for the pantry, explained the increase in need over the holidays. She explained that during this season people are “spending money to buy Christmas gifts, presents for their children. So, where do you get the money from? You take it from your food budget. So, they’ll come here and that will supplement them so they can have a nice Christmas for their family.”

Donations can be sent to the following address:

Bedford Food Outreach, Inc.

P.O. Box 324

Bedford, PA, 15522