The Bloomington food pantry that's helped area citizens since 1978 is closing. The final food distribution from Clare House will be just before Thanksgiving. Tina Sipula founded the food pantry as part of the Catholic Worker Movement, and says it has thrived because of the generosity of the community. As far as closing the pantry, Sipula says it's just time.
Sipula says she cannot possibly estimate how many people have used Clare House over the past 39 years. She notes there are currently 12 food pantries operating in Bloomington-Normal.