DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) - A new food pantry is hoping to help out community members in need.

The De Pere Christian Outreach Food Pantry is now open.

Construction began last December for the new building at 1827 Chicago Street. 

Nine area churches help sponsor the pantry, with the project made possible by community donations.

Pantry volunteers say the new space is bigger and will be able to help more. 

"The need is definitely there, so I think this space is appropriate for that and it's wonderful that people can see what all the efforts are. I think they need to appreciate that it takes an awful lot of volunteers to get this done,” said Susan Casper, pantry director.

A formal dedication and open house will be held for the pantry in November.