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Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Jessamine County Food Pantry is seeing an increase in need and wants to remind residents the agency remains open and ready to help.

Located at 104 S. Second St., the pantry operates from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Fridays.

Pantry Executive Director Paul Huber said many in the community are under the impression the pantry has closed because of COVID-19, but the agency actually served 20 percent more people in March than they do in an average month.

“We’re seeing an increase in need,” he said. “Most of the increase we saw last month was within the last two weeks. We served nearly 500 people (last month).”

Huber said receiving food from the pantry, which is a God’s Pantry affiliate, is based loosely on income.

“But if someone comes to me and tells me they are in need, I’m not going to turn them away,” he said.

Those seeking food from the pantry need to bring a photo ID and either their most recent utility bill or a lease proving they are a Jessamine County resident.

The pantry also remains open to donations of non-perishable food items and monetary donations.

“Most people like to donate food,” Huber said. “They like to see what they donate. But we request monetary donations because we can make them stretch further.”

Those wishing to donate or seeking services from the pantry can call 859-312-4003.