HAMA Food Pantry Open, Help Available for Families

The COVID-19 pandemic we are living with in our world now has drastically changed our way of life, including the way organizations and merchants do business. The Holden Area Ministerial Association (HAMA) would like everyone to know the HAMA food pantry is still open and at this time, has plenty of food. Pastor Rob Allen, president of HAMA, wanted to dispel a rumor going around that they were closed or running out of food. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the food pantry was serving nearly 500 people each month. There has been a slight increase in the numbers of those seeking help now that many are out of work and needing to feed their families, according to Pastor Rob. Due to the coronavirus, and to keep the public and HAMA volunteers safe, they have adjusted the way they hand out food at the food pantry. “Now, rather than having people gather in a small area before receiving their food, we have established a curbside process,” said Pastor Rob. “Patrons will pull up in front of the HAMA Center on Vine St., verify some information, sign a document, and await further instructions from the HAMA volunteer. “It does take us a bit longer to process each request and so we are asking for patience and grace as we all work together.” If you are in need of help, please visit the HAMA Center at 404 S. Vine St. in Holden. Food pantry hours are from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. HAMA is a 501-C3 organization, meaning it is a non-profit organization that is fully funded through donations and the generosity of the community. “We are grateful for any support, either through cash donations or volunteer help,” said Pastor Rob. If you would like to help your neighbors, especially during this difficult time, you may donate a cash gift to HAMA. To make a donation, please make checks payable to HAMA and mail them to 404 S. Vine, Holden MO 64040. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Greg Johnson at the HAMA Center, Tuesday through Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., or Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. If you have questions about the food pantry or any other HAMA program, please contact any pastor in the community. Or you may contact Pastor Rob of the Holden United Methodist Church, at 816-732-4718. If there is no answer, please leave a message and someone will return your call. This is a trying time for our town, our country, and our world. More than 10 million Americans are out of work and we all have been affected by the coronavirus. Help slow the spread – stay home, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. We’re all in this together, let’s use this opportunity to draw closer in our community – let’s stand united – even if we have to do it six-feet apart!