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Clarksburg community group describes growth of food pantry, seeks operational support
Summary
A community organization that runs a food pantry and community programs in Clarksburg told council members its pantry grew from about 25 monthly clients in late 2023 to about 700 and said recent grants were restricted to food purchases rather than building operations.
Jim Burton, identified in public comment as chairman of a local group operating a community center and food pantry, told the Clarksburg City Council the pantry — which began serving about 25 people a month after opening in November 2023 — now serves roughly 700 people a month.
Burton said the group received a $20,000 grant in 2024 from the Mount Air Food Bank and this year received $30,000, but both grants are restricted to food purchases and cannot be used for building operations. “That’s restricted funds, though. We can only use that for the food pantry,” he said.
Burton described services operated from the leased Clarksburg facility, including a library, a book club, an exercise room and plans for a computer training class in partnership with Kirkmont College. He said the group had received three doors from the board of education but still needed funding to install them.
Burton asked for operational support for the building where the pantry and programs are based. He said the organization had leased space in Clarksburg and outlined volunteer and program activities. The transcript does not record a council response or vote during public comment.
