The line of cars wrapped around the parking lot of the Interchurch Food Pantry, curling in a U-shape before nearly spilling out onto Commerce Drive.

Local residents waited patiently for their turn to pick up a box full of fresh produce, milk, eggs and non-perishable food staples. With the load of food, they’d be able to stretch their budgets, allowing them to focus on paying rent, utilities or for necessities such as medication.

Each day the Interchurch Food Pantry is open is a busy one, executive director Carol Phipps said. But this summer has been like nothing she’s ever seen before.

“It just continues to rise. This includes new neighbors who have gotten by in the past, who are now reaching out to help. So other words, these are first-time Johnson County residents who are struggling a

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