WESTOVER – The Kovakas Food Pantry in Wilsonville is working to help ensure that area children don’t go hungry while they are out of school for the summer.

On Wednesday, May 17, the Kovakas Food Pantry hosted a fundraiser to help raise money to purchase food for the pantry. The event was hosted at 9481 Hwy 55 in Westover.

About 50-60 people attended the event, which lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A complimentary lunch and Greek deserts were provided for guests, who were asked to make a monetary donation to the pantry, said pantry owner Penny Kovakas.

The money raised will be used to purchase food from the Central Alabama Food Bank, Kovakas said. The pantry also receives food through donations from Piggly Wiggly in Columbiana and from private donors.

The Kovakas Food Pantry, located at 658 Shelby County 431 in Wilsonville, provides groceries to families in need twice a month on every second and fourth Friday. For the summer, she said parents will also receive food care packages for their children.

The food packages for kids will include a meat, fruit, pudding cups and other snacks.

Kovakas said the nonprofit food pantry serves about 120 families on a monthly basis.

For more information about Kovakas Food Pantry or to donate, contact Kovakas at 365-6001.