The Cornerstone of Deliverance Church Food Bank has begun its “Stock the Pantry” food drive to help increase donations of nonperishable canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products as part of a new food pantry to benefit the community.

“We are trying to fill a void, focusing mainly on the elderly over 60 (years old) and children under the age of 14,” food bank organizer and church member James Shelton said.

Shelton said the church sought to help the elderly because of their general lack of income and children because school — where a lot of children get their only meals — will be soon be on summer break.

“We open the pantry and they can come and get food,” Shelton said. “It’s recommended that we would give 11 pounds (of food) per person and hopefully that’s going to last about a week and a half or two weeks, so that’s what we’re trying to do,” Shelton said.

He said the food pantry also accepts monetary contributions so the pantry can purchase fresh meats and vegetables.

He said the church plans on it being a continuous drive for food with the pantry being open twice a month. Shelton said the monthly opening dates will occur in the latter part of each month due to assistance checks being received for food at the beginning of the month.

“We’re applying to be members of Feed More and a Virginia Food Bank,” Shelton said.

He said there’s requirements the food bank has to meet in order to be considered for membership — one of those being participating in food safety training.

Shelton noted people don’t have to be members of the church or even believers of religious doctrine in order receive food at the pantry.

He clarified that Cornerstone of Deliverance Church was not trying to compete with any other food banks in the area.

Shelton said those who wish to donate goods and monetary donations should call (434) 676-8883.