Jim Barr tells someone what cold products they have to offer at the Petroleum Valley Food Cupboard food distribution located at the Fairview United Methodist Church on Friday, Nov. 18. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Area residents in need won’t have to worry if their family has a hearty Thanksgiving meal, thanks to the benevolence of local food pantry donors and workers, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and two local grocery stores.

More than a dozen food pantries dot Butler County and hand out food to people who are eligible all year long.

But Thanksgiving is a difficult time for many of the pantries’ clients, who don’t have extra money to purchase a turkey and trimmings.

Cyndi Burns, director of Portersville Food Pantry, said 71 people Saturday received a $25 gift certificate to purchase a turkey at Cal’s General Store on Perry Highway in the borough.

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