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In 2005, the White Lake, N.Y., RPC saw a need in the community for a food pantry. A small committee got together and the dream started to become a reality. In 2006, the Shepherd’s Pantry was established as a community outreach mission under Faith Ministries.
The basement of our church was transformed into a mini shopping center, complete with shelving and shopping carts. Grants were researched, and we were able to obtain the major funding from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. We have also been blessed with donations of food and funds from local organizations as well as individuals.
In addition to offering food to our guests, we try to supply household and hygiene items. Through an independent grant, we also sponsor a program we call Jazzy’s Place to help with food for guests’ pets.
Our volunteers consist of members of White Lake RPC as well as other local churches and many community members. Local students receive community service credit when they volunteer. Our volunteers are equipped by attending seminars on civil rights, nutrition, recognizing the needs of our guests, and prayer. There is no discrimination, and all clients are treated with dignity and respect.
Through the years, the number of families that we serve has increased to approximately 350. Families range from a single person to those with up to 10 members.
The pantry is open two days per month and is also available 24/7 for emergencies. In addition to the pantry, we have offered nutritional information and cooking demonstrations. Our local county health department has sent nurses to offer health information and free flu shots. The local hospital also visits with information on available programs, and the Red Cross offers information regarding safety issues. We’re affiliated with the Healthy Bethel Committee, started by our Town of Bethel officials who are also concerned with our community’s needs. Several times each year, we offer breakfast sandwiches and coffee or hotdogs and chips.
During the distribution, we have a prayer box available outside the entrance where requests can be left. We strive to develop healthy relationships with our guests. One volunteer told me that he doesn’t stop praying until the request is answered. Our prayer is that, as we see Jesus in our clients, our clients see Jesus in us.
To further illustrate what a blessing the Shepherd’s Pantry is to those involved in this ministry, I recently carried out some short interviews with both clients and volunteers.
Volunteers
1. What do you like most about volunteering?
TIM: I’m a Christian now, and l love working for God. There’s nothing like it in the world. The core people are a blessing.
PEG & BARBARA: Working with people. 99.9% of the clients are wonderful.
TATE: I love working with these ladies; they’re my “moms.”
MICKEY & ANNETTE: Being with the community.
ANDY: Helping the needy is a gift.
- What is your biggest challenge while volunteering?
TIM: Not letting people steal your joy. Sometimes I’m tested, and I need to remain patient and loving.
PEG & BARBARA: The physical work. There’s a lot.
TATE: Dealing with different personalities.
MICKEY & ANNETTE: When new people come in, and during annual recertification time (a New York state mandate) for all clients.
- What would you say to a church that is thinking about starting a food pantry?
TIM: Every church should have one. It’s selflessly helping others and filling the needs of hurting people. It needs to be God-centered; if God’s not in it, it’s not going to work. You need volunteers who are energetic and don’t mind stepping out of their comfort zone. Get involved, step out of the boat.
PEG & BARBARA: You need volunteers. The volunteers don’t have to be from the church. Get the word out, and people from the community will come through to help. It is so rewarding. We have a prayer circle before each distribution, which is so important.
TATE: You need honest, non-judgmental, and loving volunteers with open hearts.
MICKEY & ANNETTE: Do it! It’s so rewarding. Make sure you have volunteers, funding, and physical space. Remember to treat everyone the same.
ANDY: Make the community aware of your pantry.
Clients
What do you appreciate most about the pantry?
MILLIE: The affection and caring that is so obvious. It’s my first time here, and I’m not nervous. I feel wanted and loved.
VALERIE: The love and care from others. Other food pantries aren’t always like this. Sometimes they’re unkind. The people here giving out food want to be here. They don’t act like they’d rather be somewhere else.
DEBORAH: The food I need for my kids. The volunteers are awesome.
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On a personal note, I can say that it was a blessing to experience a distribution. It is obvious that the volunteers are serving God by serving others. I truly believe that the clients can see that. We are striving to offer both physical and spiritual needs to our community.
Looking back, a lot has been accomplished from humble beginnings. Lives have been touched, and some of His flock is being fed. Praise God for opening this avenue of His work.
Kim Phillips is a member and deacon at White Lake RPC and serves as the church’s RP Witness correspondent. She contributes various articles to the church’s monthly newsletter, the Salt Shaker, and enjoys the challenge of spreading good news about Jesus in today’s world.