Submitted by Debra Herndon, board member
Our community is made up of people from all walks of life: some with the means to have everything they need without any assistance, and some who are struggling. One resource for those who are in need is the Lord’s Pantry. The Lord’s Pantry is a nonprofit entity that gives food to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Food prices have risen, and many times a family’s income has remained constant or shrunk. The Lord’s Pantry helps to fill the gap to help ensure fewer in our community will go hungry. Sixty to 80 families use the services of the Lord’s Pantry each month. Other ministries of the Pantry are the kid’s backpack program to promote nutrition for the youngest among us and senior boxes to help our older citizens.
The Lord’s Pantry was designed to serve the Lincoln High School feeder area. Every month, a board of directors consisting of about 12 individuals, meets and reviews the receipts, expenditures, and service reports of the pantry. At least three current or retired pastors are part of the board. Others are community leaders and citizens concerned with public well-being. The Lord’s Pantry files a 990 tax return with the IRS as a nonprofit entity.
Sharon Haggerty has served as a director for many years and continues the work dear to her heart. On-site directors are Tom and Carol Edgell. These folks ensure that reports are filed, available grants are applied for, food stockpiles are adequate to the need, volunteers are used to their best advantage, and food is distributed in a fair and orderly way.
A common misconception is that the Lord’s Pantry get all its food for free. Only a small portion of the food distributed is free. The Pantry pays the food bank for many items. Of late, the price paid the food bank combined with the cost of renting a trailer and gasoline brings the cost up above what the food can be purchased for. Fortunately, our local Price Cutter has partnered with the Pantry to provide a discount. The Pantry purchases locally, supporting local jobs. Local vendors also donate items that have been removed from shelves to make room for new items.
Many people volunteer on a regular basis, but the Pantry can always use folks who can lift and pack bags for distribution. As reported in the January board meeting, December was a banner month for volunteers, with 32 people volunteering their time. Students home from college and folks just in a more giving spirit from the holidays helped make up this number.
The Lord’s Pantry has been supported by individuals, organizations, businesses and by grants, but as other local food banks close, more and more families are using the Pantry’s services. Anyone who would like to see the Pantry in action could observe the food distribution in action on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Pantry is located behind the Baptist Church on Rebecca Street.
The Lord’s Pantry accepts donations of nonperishable food, money or volunteer hours. Questions may be directed to the Pantry at 304-672-0812.
