The workers were finishing the drywall Saturday in preparation for the paint; the heating and air conditioning system is installed and what will become the new Harvest for The Hungry food pantry, operated by downtown churches, is nearing completion.

“We’re hoping to move in (to it) in July,” the Rev. Wayne Young, pastor of First United Methodist Church, said.

Right now the food pantry is in his church’s basement; moving will give the pantry room to expand to include perishable items and serve more people.

“We’re looking for a director,” Young said. “Someone who’s able to devote a lot of time to it, get grants for it, record keeping.”

Young said he anticipates the director’s job will be a paid position.

The director and the board would have to establish the hours but Young would like the pantry to be open one evening a week as well as daily hours.

Right now the food pantry is open 9 -11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and serves as many as 160 families a month.