Cutting out the redtape to help people put food on the table is a welcome addition to the “menu” at Ironton’s downtown food pantry.

The Harvest for the Hungry pantry, operated by First United Methodist Church and the other downtown churches, decided to eliminate the referral process that had historically created significant hoops for individuals seeking food assistance.

Now the pantry will essentially handle all of the qualification steps at its own site, a move that will ultimately make the pantry more inviting and help individuals who need assistance with feeding their families.

Anyone who needs food assistance can now come to the food pantry with documentation: picture identification, Social Security cards for all household members and proof of income.

Often times paperwork and what is perceived as bureaucracy can be intimidating.

We applaud Pastor Wayne Young and the rest of leadership at the pantry for taking this step. This puts the emphasis on helping as many people as possible and making the process simple.

Just asking for help can be difficult in and of itself, but the process for getting that assistance doesn’t have to be that way.