Twice a month the mobile food pantry of the Lutheran Social Services in Lancaster brings not only food for Lawrence County families that will last a week. It also brings hope and a sense that they are not alone.

“We give out food to 150 families that register,” the Rev. David Ritchie, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, said.

The mobile food pantry sets up for a few hours on the second and fourth Thursdays each month on the grounds of St. Paul’s.

“We see a lot of single families, but we also see a lot of the elderly,” Ritchie said.

All food is donated or purchased with monetary donations. The food pantry sets items up on tables offering those needing food a choice.

There are tables with cereals, boxes of macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, peanut butter, canned chicken, beef stew, ravioli, spaghetti, canned fruits and breads.

Also there are items with no salt for those with diabetes or heart conditions.

“When it is available, they do bring down fresh produce,” Ritchie said. “The last time they brought potatoes. Last month they brought down melons, bagged onions, whatever fresh produce is available.”

Also frozen meat items are provided including hamburger, chicken or sausage.

“Everything is based on the size of the family,” Ritchie said. “The larger family the more they get. It is set up like a storefront and they choose what they want. They are not handed ‘Here is your box of food.’ They can choose what their family eats. It is more like going shopping.”