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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

As the price of groceries rise, a group from First United Methodist Church is hoping to help those struggling to purchase what they need.

Chilton Bread of Life Food Pantry is being led by Greg Nobles and his team of volunteers.

Nobles, who has previous experience running a food pantry, said he has seen this as a big community need, and “with the way the world is right now, it is going to get worse.”

“Prices are going up; people are having a hard time making ends meet,” Nobles said. “We want to help make sure people have enough to eat.”

Food distribution will be at Senior Connection each Thursday 4-6:30 p.m. However, the same individuals can only come every five weeks.

“They will get food that first time, then we will set them a date to come back,” Nobles said.

If someone misses their assigned date, they can come after that, just not before, according to Nobles.

Those receiving food must sign a statement that their household income is not more that 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($33,475 for a household of four) or be able to show proof of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for needy families or Supplemental Security Income.

These qualifications are set by the USDA.

“We expect to serve about 100 to 150 families in town,” Nobles said. “Most of our food will come from the food bank in Montgomery.”

The food bank allows nonprofits to purchase food for less than they ever could in the store.

However, there are some items that are not always readily available at the food bank that Bread of Life wants to be able to provide, including fresh produce, flour and sugar.

“Any local farmers that have excess produce, we would love to be on the receiving end,” Terri Nobles said

Monetary and food donations will be accepted through the First United Methodist Church office. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information contact Nobles at 205-389-2141 or Lynn Best at the church office 205-755-0490.