The Harvest for the Hungry Food Pantry in Ironton has seen the demand for assistance triple in just over a year. This Sunday the First United Methodist Church in Ironton will celebrate the cause and the people who have made it possible.

“Last year we wrote letters asking for help with the Harvest for the Hungry and the downtown church’s food pantry,” Rev. Wayne Young, pastor of First United Methodist Church, said. “Thanks to the generosity of a number of people we were able to help many of the hungry people in Lawrence County. That assistance was greatly appreciated.”

The pantry is operated by downtown churches and was started in 1992. The dedication for the pantry’s current building was in September 2012 and Harvest for the Hungry Director Diane Porter wrote in a letter that since the building’s opening, some changes have been made.

“We have simplified the registration process,” she wrote. “In addition, we have received some publicity and the economy continues to lag.”

As a result, the number of people needing service and the cost of serving those people has “increased significantly,” according to the letter from Young and Porter.

Partner churches include First United Methodist Church, Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Sharon Baptist Church.

In January 2013, the pantry — comprised of one full-time and one part-time employee along with 16-to-20 volunteers — served 468 people; in August the total has increased to 1,709.

“As you can see,” Young stated, “the need is great and increasing.”

The “Harvest for the Hungry” campaign began in September and lasts until December. Porter said businesses, schools, professional associations, civic groups, churches and individuals have been solicited for help.

During the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, 101 Fifth St., Ironton, groups and individuals will be invited to bring their gifts in an attempt to fill the “Harvest Kettle” designated to receive their gifts so the donor or donors can be recognized.

“Please give your sincerest prayerful consideration to this cause,” Young said. “In this difficult time, the demand for assistance has tripled.”

The Harvest for the Hungry Food Pantry is located at the corner of Fifth and Railroad streets. More information is available by visiting www.ironton1umc.org or by email at church@ironton1umc.org.

The pantry can be reached by calling 740-532-9918. Cash donations can be dropped off at the pantry or mailed to First United Methodist Church, 101 North Fifth St., Ironton, OH 45638.

Food donations are always welcome and the pantry’s primary needs are jelly, soup, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, noodles, canned meat, beef stew and canned dinners such as Beefaroni and boxed macaroni and cheese. Baby food and formula are always welcome.

Donations can be dropped off at the pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.