Mobile Food Pantry Recap

When looking at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see a clear example to have compassion for those around us. Whether that be in his example of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in the commandment given to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” or in the truth of Christ’s words where he stated, “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” there is a strong emphasis on caring for those in need. One of the ways we live out this mission is through our partnership with CHOPIN Hall by sponsoring mobile food pantries.

On Saturday, February 15, we hosted a mobile food pantry at our County Road 9 campus. To run the event, 10,000 pounds of food was brought in and distributed, box by box, to families that were signed up to receive the help. As the families came into the building and waited for their number to be called, we had tables and chairs set up for them to sit at, snacks and coffee for them to enjoy and volunteers that interacted with them. At times, it was simply offering to get them a refill; other times, it was joining them at their tables to talk and listen to them; and quite often, folks asked for prayer about their struggles that they are facing on a daily basis. By the end of the morning, we had fed over 130 families totaling over 350 people, including over 80 children! Between our two most recent food pantries, we have been able to feed over 310 families totaling 800 people, including over 200 children. All glory to God!

The total population in Hancock County is around 75,500 people. According to WelfareInfo.org, the poverty rate in Hancock County is 12.1% which means roughly 9,100 people are living in poverty conditions. That’s about 1 in every 8 people. When I sit and reflect on these statistics, I remain thankful for the blessings God has given me in life, but also humbled to be reminded that we are commissioned by our Savior to GO. Sponsoring these mobile food pantries gives opportunities to care for others in need, pray for brothers and sisters in Christ and even share the hope of Jesus with nonbelievers who are chasing after hope in the things of this world and coming up empty. I encourage you all to continue praying for our local community and considering ways that you can be involved. Our local outreach opportunities are available and able to be viewed on our website under the “Go” tab, including our next food pantry on May 2.

Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 22:39