By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Mancino’s Grinders & Pizza in Plymouth is jumping behind the fight to keep others from going hungry.
The Plymouth restaurant will raise items and awareness for the Marshall County Food Pantry in a special push next Tuesday, Oct 21. All customers bringing food items for the pantry to Mancino’s between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. that day will receive a discount on their purchases.

“I read in the paper that they have a need and I felt this was a way to give back to the community,” said Tony Gamble, owner of Mancino’s. “I think people will give if they can see what they’re getting in return.”
Customers will receive points for each kind of food item from the Pantry’s “shopping list” they bring in. Those points are then redeemable for a percentage off on their meal at Mancino’s.
“With the economy, things are tough and this is a way that I can give a lot more than just out of my pocket,” said Gamble. “I know the Pantry was really surprised and excited that we wanted to help in this way and they jumped on board.”
Canned vegetable and food items such as green beans, applesauce, pineapple, spaghetti sauce, ravioli or tuna and beef stew will receive one point for each item. In the two-point category are items such as peanut butter, pancake mix, pastas or sugar. Three-point items are coffee and personal care items such as shampoo and soaps and toilet paper. Meats like chicken, pork and beef will bring four points.
Points for those shopping list items for the Pantry earn discounts – 1 to 5 points get 10 percent, 6 to10 get 20 percent, 11 to 15 get 30 percent, 16 to 20  get 40 percent, 21 to 25 get 50 percent, over 26 get 75 percent.
“I’d love to be able to raise a truck load of food for the pantry,” said Gamble. “It’s really not a monetary thing though. It’s important that people are aware that there is a need and anything we can do to help is important.”