The need for food assistance rose sharply in 2025 at FACES Food Pantry as inflation, government program cuts and rising food costs strained both families and the nonprofit’s budget, according to Co-President Paul Baker. The food pantry also assisted 2,868 individuals, 572 more than the year before and more than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker said. He said the community saw what the food pantry was facing and stepped up to support it through increased contributions. Volunteers assist with food pickups from local retailers, packaging and sorting food, delivering to elderly and disabled residents and distributing food during pantry hours. APPLY FOR ASSISTANCEResidents seeking food assistance through FACES Food Pantry must complete a brief registration process in person.