EPHRATA – As local food banks brace for potential increases in demand, Phyllis Fuglie, Director of the Ephrata Food Bank, is reaching out to the community for assistance. Fuglie outlined the pressing needs of the food bank as it strives to serve families amid changing federal support for low-income households. 

Currently, the Ephrata Food Bank serves approximately 480 individuals who walk through its doors each month, which translates to around 160 to 180 families in need of assistance.  

Fuglie noted that while the food bank remains operational, its necessity is underscored by uncertainties surrounding federal programs.  

“We don’t know what the federal government will do, and we don’t know if we are going to get more people, so we must prepare for that,” she said.  

These concerns are heightened by the expiration of food stamp benefits and the Women, Infants, and Children program, both of which are set to end this month because of the ongoing government shutdown.  

Fuglie expressed that the food bank's needs are primarily for non-perishable items, particularly canned goods.  

“We can always use food. Anything canned, because it’ll last longer. We’d like to have fresh, but we just don’t have the capacity to store a lot of fresh food,” she said.  

The emphasis on canned and non-perishable items reflects not just inventory needs but also storage limitations, essential during peak periods of demand. 

In response to these challenges, the community is encouraged to participate in upcoming food drives.  

“We are open to food drives,” Fuglie said, highlighting an event organized by Ephrata School District schools, set to occur Nov. 10. The district-wide effort aims to collect non-perishable food donations during fall conferences, potentially boosting supplies to the food bank at a critical time. 

Along with the school district, both the Ephrata City Hall and Ephrata Police Department are also collecting food, which can be dropped off during hours of operation.  

For Ephrata residents seeking food assistance, Fuglie confirmed that the food bank operates Mondays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

“Just come to the food bank. We’ll give you some food, and then you can sign up,” she said.