Jars of applesauce and cans of soup covered a table at Curves in Pelham this week in an effort to fill the shelves of Love In Action food pantry.

“We’ve made it” Ann Hughes said after tallying together the weight of two final bags of canned goods. “We’ve collected 1,151 and a half pounds. We beat our goal.”

The women of Curves aimed to collect 1,000 pounds of food for Love In Action. The program will continue through March 31 with hopes of bringing in even more food.

Members from six area churches established Love in Action two decades ago.

Pantry coordinator Al Shores said the project thrives on donations from the churches and other organizations.

“It’s a big part of what we do,” Shores said. “Knowing others are willing to help encourages us tremendously. It’s all about loving each other and helping when people need it.”

Curves began collecting food for the ministry three years ago.

Curves manager Sue Mackle learned of Love In Action through fellow church members at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She said the church provides two missionaries, Linda and Paul Hobby, to assist with the program.

“She’s (Linda) is always telling us stories of the women who come in and how they’re struggling,” Mackle said. “Its just something we feel called to work with.”

The ministry serves 70 families a month. Shores said if a family makes a point to be frugal, he believes the amount of food provided could sustain a family of four for about two weeks.

Shores said the pantry supports needy families who have lost jobs and for the friends and family members of people in the churches who need help.

“Its in our heart,” Sores said. “To be able to physically help people and to see that your work benefits others means a lot.”