Food Pantry
Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, a Community gathers at the lower level of St John’s Episcopal Church. Around 2 PM, food bank team members arrive. They roll out tables and carts kept in the central storage room into the distribution area. This area, a mere 22 x 11 foot space, is used otherwise as a ‘passthrough’ connecting the courtyard/parking lot area to the auditorium, worship space, parish hall, and offices.
The Food Bank doors open at 2:30 for an hour. But long before then folks gather outside in the courtyard. The adults usually find a spot on the benches to sit and wait. One fellow brings a folding chair. And soon, conversation and music and the sound of children racing around the area fill the air.
Folks often come early to secure a place close to the beginning of the line. Everyone who comes to the food bank receives a sizable, prepacked bag filled with non-perishable groceries. And believe me, that bag is very heavy! But those first ‘in line’ can also choose special items.
These items, generously donated by local businesses, individuals and the parishioners are an added bonus: fresh fruits and local vegetables, breads, sweets, eggs, sometimes meats, and personal items such as shampoo, soap, toilet paper and the ever popular, greatly-sought-after diapers! These popular items are available until the supply runs out.
All that is asked is the name of the individual picking up the food and the number of children, adults and seniors in the household. This information is for required reporting purposes to the Central PA Food Bank.
And in the days and weeks that pass—little by little—newcomers become familiar faces. Smiles and conversation come to life…
This ministry was started by a St John’s member years back—offering a box of food once a month. And a generation of grace-filled workers have nurtured and cherished this ministry ever since: those behind the scenes filling the bags, others picking up carloads of food, some unpacking and properly storing supplies, while still more bringing special treats or personal items or generously donating funds.
It is written: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Yes indeed. And how sweet the Community—each and all—who prepare and provide and come those days when a mere 22 x 11 foot space transforms… and Community finds a home.
Our Food Pantry is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. If you are in need of pantry staples such as cereal, pasta, peanut butter, and canned goods know we can help! No questions are asked. To get to the food pantry enter our parking lot on Mulberry Street and follow the sidewalk into the courtyard. There you will find friends ready to assist you!
For those who would like to help keep our food pantry stocked, donations are accepted anytime! Monetary donations and non-perishables (especially canned meat and tuna) are always appreciated.
Items requested include:
- Tuna/Chicken in water
- Vegetables (green beans, corn, mixed veg)
- Canned fruit/fruit cocktail
- Cereal
- Spaghetti
- Misc. Pasta
- Tuna/Chicken Helper
- Mac and cheese
- Soup (tomato, chicken noodle, vegetable), etc.
- Baked beans
- Peanut butter
- Rice
Household size toiletries:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Razors
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
Our neighbors’ needs have grown significantly since the pandemic, so we’ve set up an Amazon Wish List so people can have food sent directly to us: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1M8JXNQ3ZQ547?ref_=wl_share
Thank you!
Community Breakfast
Volunteers from St. John’s prepare and serve a hot breakfast for up to 200 people from the community at St. John’s, on the third and fifth Saturday of each month. Help is always appreciated from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Blessing Box
Outside the Becker House, along the sidewalk, stands a wooden box with a clear
door. It’s the Blessings Box and it contains nutritious food items that require no,
or minimal, preparation and some necessary toiletries. New items are placed in
the Blessings Box daily by a St. John’s team. Our neighbors too have taken to help stock the Blessings Box.
So, what’s the purpose of the Blessings Box? There are hungry people who open
the door and reach in for food items, free for the taking, that will hold them over until they’re able to find their next meal. So, to these people, it is a box of
blessings. In this time of increasing food insecurity, that wooden box in front of St. John’s shines ever brighter for those in need and for those called to keep the Blessings Box constantly stocked.
