"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome..." Matthew 25:35-36
What is a food pantry?
First Baptist Church has established a food pantry to meet the needs of those who turn to us for assistance. The food pantry is an emergency food center whose primary function is to provide help for those in need in the form of a three-day food package.
Who is it for?
Anyone who may be out of work or facing unexpected expenses, or who just needs a little extra help while they get back on track. Provision is also being made for the homeless.
How does it work?
Your donations may be placed in the Little Red Wagon in the east entrance of the church. Volunteers will stock pantry shelves, take inventory, make requests for additional food supplies and fill food bags to be handed out by office staff.
How can you help?
You can help to stock the shelves with food. All foods are welcome, but there is a prepared list of recommended foods in order to be able to put together family meals. A recommended list follows. Also, checks made out to First Baptist Church or Safeway gift certificates to cover special needs are greatly appreciated. Volunteers are also needed to help in the pantry on a weekly basis. The commitment is 1 -2 hours.
Recommendations
- Cereal - hot or cold
- Pancake mix
- Syrup
- Peanut butter - 36 oz or smaller
- Jam, jelly, honey - small size
- Canned soups - small & family size (tomato, chicken noodle, vegetable, etc)
- Canned stews - small & family size
- Canned Sloppy Joe's
- Refried beans - 15 oz
- Spaghetti sauce - 26.5 oz (can or jar)
- Spaghetti, pasta - 8 oz pkgs
- Rice
- Boxed potatoes
- Dried soup mixes
- Saltine crackers - 16 oz (4/pkg)
- Jiffy mixes (cornbread, muffins, etc)
- Macaroni and cheese dinner - 7.25 oz
- Hamburger or tuna helper dinner mix
- Canned meats small & family size (tuna, chicken)
- Canned corn, green beans - 15 oz
- Canned fruit - small & family size
- Applesauce
- Instant pudding mixes & jello
- Instant non-fat dry milk - 9 oz
Food for the homeless
- Spaghetti & meatballs (pop-top can)
- Pork & beans (pop-top can)
- Vienna sausage (pop-top can)
- Tuna (pop-top can)
- Potted meat (pop-top can)
- Applesauce, fruit cups - 4 oz (peel-off top)
- Granola bars - individually wrapped
- Peanut butter or cheese crackers - individual servings
- Juice boxes
