LINCOLN — Fifty-three people received assistance from the new Lincoln Food Pantry, which opened Monday.

“We had a pretty steady flow of people,” said Marie Moore, president of the pantry.

The Lincoln Food Pantry is located in the old Lincoln High School building. It is open 9 a.m.-noon every Monday.

Moore said volunteers spent the past few months renovating and cleaning two rooms in the old high school, and stocking the shelves with non-perishable food items.

“Teen Challenge helped us get the rooms ready, and we really appreciate all their assistance,” she said.

The Lincoln Food Pantry is a faith-based organization, and is run by volunteers with no paid employees.

Moore said the middle school and Lincoln Elementary both donated food items, and individuals in the community have made donations as well.

“We really want to get the churches involved,” she said. “In order for this to be a success and continue helping the community, we need continuing support.”

Moore said she has tried to contact many local churches, but has not been able to reach a representative from some of them.

“I would like to invite any of our local pastors or outreach ministries to get in touch with me at 205-763-0394,” she said. “And anyone interested in volunteering can also call me.”

Tina McDavis, a member of the food pantry board, said most churches have outreach programs.

“Some people want to give but don’t know where their money goes when it is sent overseas to help people in foreign countries,” she said. “With the Lincoln Food Pantry, the money is right here being used to help local people. You can see it.”

McDavis said the individuals helped so far seemed appreciative and have been spreading the word about the pantry.

“Things went really well for opening day,” Moore said. “There weren’t overwhelming crowds, just a consistent flow of people. And we had a lot of volunteers helping. It has been a great response so far.”

Individuals must live in the Lincoln area to qualify for assistance from the food pantry. Individuals living in Lincoln city limits with Talladega addresses do qualify for assistance, if other requirements are met.

“We want to remind people to bring their Social Security card, driver’s license and proof of residency when they come apply for assistance,” Moore said.

She said in addition to receiving food assistance, the individuals were able to receive referrals to FIRST Family Service Center in Talladega and other agencies that offer medication assistance, utility assistance, and other help.

Donations needed include mainstay food items such as Treet (canned meat similar to Spam), spaghetti, Vienna sausage, canned fruit, tuna fish, tomatoes/carrots, yams, greens (turnip, mustard, etc.), green beans, potatoes, soup, beans (pinto, pork & beans, lima, etc.), beef stew, corn, flour, corn meal and rice.

Monetary donations are also needed and should be addressed to Lincoln Food Pantry Inc., P.O. Box 756, Lincoln, AL, 35096. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information, call Marie Moore at 205-763-0394 or Sharon Burton at 205-763-1357 or 205-240-0333.

Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.