April 30, 2021

Dear Friends,
Summer is rapidly approaching!  With it comes longer days, warmer temperatures, a break from routine for many, and sadly, an increase in food insecurity for many children that rely on school breakfast and/or lunch as their most consistent form of nutrition.  One positive of the pandemic is that school systems have recognized this need, and have creatively found ways to help get meals to families that need it, continuing to swizzle and reinvent to meet the needs along the way.

Our church exists in a food desert.  A food desert is an area where access to food supplements for those in need are non-existent.  For many years, we have talked about ways to help address this need in our community.  This year, the Social Justice Team and Council are working hard to put words into action.  We have received donations to pay for a Little Food Pantry, and are currently planning to build this on May 15th (or May 22nd, weather dependent)!  We will be working with local schools, communities, and other community resources to reach out to our neighbors to let them know of this resource.  The pantry will be stocked with non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries and baby items.  During the winter, we can add items such as gloves, scarves, and other cold-weather items.  We hope that the community garden in the works for the church grounds may be able to provide fresh vegetables in the future, as well.  A list of items that can be stocked in the pantry include:
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Dry pasta
- Canned pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Rice
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Bottled water
- Canned meats
- Soap
- Body wash
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Toothpaste/toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Femine hygiene products
- Baby wipes
- Baby diapers

Since the pantry will be open for all, it can be utilized or refilled by anyone in the congregation or community.  We are so excited to see this mission project come to fruition!
Peace,
Rebecca Molis