Roaring Spring Food Pantry Serves Community in Many Ways

When Ron Glunt retired last year as mayor of Roaring Spring, he capped off a decades-long career in local politics that began on council before taking his seat at the center of the table as mayor.

Retiring from office, however, did not end Glunt's service to the borough as he continues to work at the food pantry he helped begin nearly 10 years ago.

In 2012, Glunt, along with Pastor Mark Halliday, saw a need to help people put food on the table and after securing a site in the St. Luke's Lutheran Church, set out to fill the shelves.

"I don't think a lot of people realize how much of a need there is here," Glunt said.

Glunt said in 2010 he started searching for a building and St. Luke's stepped up and donated a building.

"We started getting donations and were able to get up and running," Glunt said.

Glunt said businesses and individuals donated food and money and continue to support the pantry.

"Everyone we approached thought having a food pantry was a good idea because at the time we were getting a lot of transients in town and the need was growing," he said. "Rental properties were increasing so we had people in need moving into town."

Glunt said while his position as mayor may have given him an advantage when trying to get the food pantry started, he stressed that all he asked of council was for their support in having the food pantry in town and did not seek borough funding.

While looking for guidance in getting the food pantry started, Glunt said he sought the advice of a neighboring community member who had successfully launched one.

"I talked to Linda Smith," Glunt said. "Linda had started the food pantry in Martinsburg, and I knew she would be able to give me good advice."

Glunt said the food pantry serves 15 to 20 families each month a number that increases during the holidays.

Rachel Neely Pletcher, secretary/treasurer of the food pantry said community outreach is another part of the pantry's service.

Each year, during the first weekend in August, the pantry holds a community picnic at the Spring Dam. The work involved in planning and putting on the picnic is done by the food pantry and volunteers.

"We coordinate getting the food, tents, outdoor restroom facilities and getting the volunteers," Pletcher said. "It is a group effort that we enjoy doing."

Pletcher said the community picnic replaced Spring Dam Days, an annual event held by the borough but was discontinued about five years ago.

Pletcher said the food pantry partners with the Roaring Spring Lions Cub during the picnic. The club holds a breakfast before the community worship service on the Sunday of the picnic.

Glunt and Pletcher said the weekend event is well-attended and that they will keep doing it as log as there is interest.

Glunt said the food pantry is going strong and donations have not slacked off due to the recent economic slump.

"People are still donating," he said. "This community is very generous and is willing to reach out to help those in need."