Money shortage at Bastrop food pantry

Willie Simmons has gotten pretty quick at his job. As a stock clerk at the Bastrop County food pantry it's his job to box up cans and dry goods for those in need.

"This is what we do," said pantry clerk Willie Simmons. "We're here to help people and I love what I do."

The 25-year-old food pantry has been pretty busy the last couple of years especially after going through the devastating fires of 2011. Citizens still rally around even donating bags of food whenever they can

"I wanted to help the pantry out, so I know that they need the assistance," said Priscilla Knopak. "And I'm just doing my part for the community."

But Tresha Silva who runs the pantry says 2013 could prove to be their toughest year yet. She says the $50,000 loss in funding from the United Way's has left them trying to find other funds to keep their organization alive.

"We've got a fund raiser coming up in February. We're certainly going to try to make something up there," said Tresha Silva, executive director of the Bastrop County food pantry.  "Were looking at uh, partnering with other groups and some foundations to try to bring in some additional dollars."

Bernadette McMorris says the bread and food provided by the pantry has been critical to her family and is worried about the panty's budget cuts.

"Not good to hear," said Bernadette McMorris, "because we wonder how were going to make our ends meet. We need the help here."

For now there's food to be boxed away as dozens of families a day still come looking for assistance.

But the staff is staying positive and active reaching out to the community trying to make up lost funds. They say they got through the fires and they'll get through this loss too.