Folks living with food insecurity have another place they can go to help feed themselves and their loved ones.

The Mercer County Food Bank has partnered with the Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene have opened a food bank in Hermitage - the first ever in the area.

People in need can get a variety of shelf-stable foods, produce and assorted meat.

The first food distribution will be Thursday, August 15 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., which is designed to accommodate folks coming home after a workday or if morning commitments stop them from going earlier.

"The opening of the food pantry is part of the food bank's strategic plan to provide access to food to neighbors in underserved areas of Mercer County," said Rebecca Page, executive Director of the Mercer County Food Bank. "For three years, we have been operating our Mobile Pantry program in Hermitage to help fill the needs of area residents, and this partnership with Gentle Shepherd will help better meet the needs of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity."

The reason for the new addition is because demand for food continues to rise.

This year, the county is serving 12,000 people every month compared to an average of 10,000 last year, according to the food bank.

Children in particular are facing food insecurity in the county.

"There are 4,000 children who are insecure and don't know if they'll have dinner tonight," said Brian Berke, Pastor of Gentle Shepherd Church. "It was very important as a church and community outreach to partner with the Mercer County Food Bank to meet that need that is so great."

A ribbon cutting for the pantry will be held at 3 p.m.