Millersburg food pantry director says demand is outpacing supplies, requests commercial refrigerator

Millersburg residents looking for help with groceries have been told that local supply limits are creating a tighter squeeze for families, according to a report from LEX18 published Aug. 21, 2026.

In the town of 819 people, food pantry director Arlo Pendragon said the pantry’s resources are strained and that the need is elevated by economic hardship in the community. He told LEX18 that 31% of residents are at or below the poverty line, a level he said contributes to more frequent requests for assistance.

Pendragon said the pantry is currently seeking food donations, emphasizing that donors play a direct role in whether the pantry can restock shelves consistently for neighbors who rely on it. The report also described ongoing limits that make it difficult to maintain a steady inventory even when help arrives.

The pantry is also requesting a commercial refrigerator, with Pendragon describing the equipment as necessary to store and keep certain foods at safe temperatures for longer periods. He said the refrigerator would help the pantry handle perishables more reliably rather than being forced to rely on shorter-term or less flexible storage options.

At a time when household budgets can leave little room for extra spending, food pantries often face a scheduling challenge tied to donations and shelf life. According to the LEX18 report, Pendragon’s request reflects a practical need to improve the pantry’s ability to receive and distribute items while they remain usable.

While the report focused on the pantry’s immediate needs, it did not name specific dates for how soon donations or the refrigerator are required. It also did not provide details on the pantry’s distribution schedule beyond the general context that residents are coming for help.

For Millersburg, a town where the pantry’s capacity is closely linked to a small donor base, the next steps described by Pendragon are straightforward: residents and organizations can donate food and help fill the equipment gap so the pantry can continue serving people during periods of higher demand.