Eastern students will be packing their bags, cleaning out their fridges and heading home for the holidays, but the local food pantry wants students to be aware of those in need.

Ember Zimmerman, the director of the Charleston Food Pantry, said the donations she is requesting be bought specifically for the food pantry.

“That cuts down on things we need to throw out,” she said. “Food must not be expired, open, damaged or in glass containers.”

She also said the donations must be non-perishable.

Zimmerman has been the director of the Charleston Food Pantry since February 2011 and said Eastern students make up about 45 percent of the food donations the pantry receives.

The pantry receives food donations from Eastern students on a regular basis, but more during the holiday season and towards the end of the school year.

During this time of need, the Charleston Food Pantry is dedicated to providing quality food for community members.

“We do our part to keep our cost down and the community does their part by generously donating money and food,” Zimmerman said.

She said cash and food donations increase during the holiday season and so do the food pantry’s client base.

“This time of year, the amounts on the checks are usually larger, but they’re mostly one-time gifts. Our regular donors also give a little more this time of year,” Zimmerman said.

The client base that uses the food pantry’s resources has increased from last year by nearly 50 people a week, which is equivalent to being open an extra day, Zimmerman said.

Around this time of year the food pantry normally receives donations of soups, canned vegetables and beans, among many other foods.

The food pantry is currently low on canned fruit, nutritious cereal, instant mashed potatoes, pasta and canned meat.

However, Zimmerman said the pantry is running out of room for the food they currently have.

“Our pantry is fiscally sound, but that does not mean the community should stop donating. We rely on the community for most of our funding,” Zimmerman said.

The food pantry is run by unpaid volunteers on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Zimmerman said donations can be brought by anytime during normal operating hours.

When money is donated to the food pantry, the volunteers normally shop at the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

“Cash always goes the furthest. Our agency shops at the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, which means we can buy at a deep discount. I can buy a case of crackers for less than one box costs at the store,” Zimmerman said.

She said the food pantry will continue to feed those in need throughout the holiday season.

“We’re doing what we do every open day, feeding those in need of emergency food services,” Zimmerman said.

Samantha Bilharz can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].