Neighbor to Neighbor Food Pantry
About the Pantry….
The Neighbor to Neighbor Food Panty is a non-profit ministry of Good Samaritan Community Covenant Church. We have been an established food pantry since 2003. From the beginning, our food pantry ministry has been based upon a "no questions asked" philosophy. We have adhered to this tradition and continue to serve the public with a no strings attached attitude. We are open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for food distribution. Because we are the only pantry open Saturdays in two counties, we see many families traveling great distances in order to utilize our pantry. Our continuing goal is to provide needy families with an emergency 3-day-supply of food. One grocery bag feeds up to four people and includes enough food for the family to have breakfast, lunch and dinner for at least three days. Most families are receiving 2 or more bags each week (depending on the size of their family). Along with our weekly food distribution, we also provide a once a month clothing closet. Our "Clothed in Love" ministry provides new or gently used clothing, coats, shoes, and blankets to needy families free of charge. Additionally, our program also provided over 100 food baskets at Thanksgiving time to area families in need.
Each week we see children, seniors, the underemployed and veterans; our neighbors who don't know where their next meal will come from. Many never imagined they would need food assistance, but empty cupboards and empty pockets have led them to our food pantry.
In the past 2 years we have seen an explosion in the amount of people who have visited our pantry. In 2006 we had the pleasure of serving 1,808 people. We have increased almost 100% in 2007, serving 3610 people. In 2008 we are projected to increase by as much as100% of last year's total, that is 7,220 people! Already through the end of April of this year we have served 1,209 people!
At our current rate of spending, we anticipate exhausting our alloted budget by the end of May! We have witnessed many miracles in the past that have allowed us to keep our pantry doors open. We believe that God will continue to provide for this ministry. We give generously to all who ask, trusting the promise:
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10
