The shelves at the Flint Street Food Pantry in Eureka Springs are becoming quite bare and director Kathy Barnes is hoping the public can help fill them back up.

“Prices have gone up and the numbers have gone up of people we are serving,” Barnes said. “We have people on fixed income who were barely making it before, and now, with gas and food prices.

“Plus, we are seeing an influx of homeless people. A lot of homes are being sold out or rentals are being sold.” ?

The pantry, which is open each Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., provides groceries and hygiene items.

“We can use almost anything,” said Barnes, a former volunteer with Flint Street who has been director for a little more than a year. “Toiletries are really in need right now because we really don’t purchase those. We give out a lot of toilet paper.”

“And if there are any gardeners out there who have fresh produce, that would be great.”

Ongoing needs include items such as diapers, cooking oil, cereal, canned meat, detergent, dish soap, paper products and pet food.

“Monetary donations are always welcome,” Barnes said. “We use money raised to get what we need at the time.”

The pantry serves people in western Carroll County