A local food pantry is in dire need of help after funding shortfalls.

Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Prestonsburg found its federal funding cut in half because of how FEMA distributes funds to pantries.

According to Sister Judy Yonker of St. James Episcopal Church and the pantry, said FEMA distributes funds based on the amount of unemployment benefits being distributed in a community. Because of a decline in the amount of people receiving benefits, funding has changed.

“Eight panties received half of what they normally get,” she said. “We have to make up that other half.”

The pantry served 211 families in May, which included 297 adults and 158 children. The number helped in June totaled 207 families, including 360 adults and 148 children.

The pantry operates a soup kitchen that has already served 102 people in the month of July.

Yonker said the church has started to explore ways they can collect more donations, such as adding a donate button to the pantry’s Facebook page.

If you would like to donate to the pantry, you can mail or bring in your donation to 214 S Central Ave., Prestonsburg, Ky 41649. People who are wanting to volunteer are encouraged to come in person early on Tuesday mornings.