BELOIT, Wis. -- A food pantry in Beloit is urging donations following a significant spike in families in need.

Messiah Lutheran Church Food Pantry reported it serves an average of 70 households equating to 200 people each time it is open. This past Thursday, the food pantry experienced a drastic increase with 108 households seeking assistance, totaling 307 people helped-a 40% increase.

The food pantry is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of most months. Those who run the food pantry believe the sudden surge is in large part due to the government shutdown which is reportedly decreasing essential benefits. The sudden rush at the pantry has significantly depleted its resources.

“We’re tapping into as many resources as we can find, but we know it will take great effort to meet the esc

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