The former First United Methodist Church Food Pantry has changed its name to God’s Food Pantry.
Volunteers at the pantry unveiled a new sign Friday, changing the name to reflect the cooperation of several local churches in serving the hungry. Started from the basement of First United Methodist Church almost a decade ago, the change was a result of many other businesses, churches and volunteers joining the cause over the years.
“Now it’s God’s Food Pantry,” said volunteer Pat Zornow. “The people who the food pantry are honored to feed have named the pantry. The people call the food pantry God’s Pantry because without it, they would not have enough food to feed their families or themselves.”
The pantry is completely staffed by volunteers and supported totally by local donations. It does not accept any local, state, or federal government funding. The pantry served 6,393 families or 19,608 individuals in 2015, 4,927 were senior citizens and 7,003 were children. As of Sept. 10, 5,229 families, or 14,223 individuals, have been fed in 2016, including 4,046 senior citizens and 4,572 children.
Pantry volunteers also go out of their way to help house the homeless and assist the elderly.
“We do housing, rent, and utilities for families. We also buy Food Lion gift cards and gas cards for them. We have had quite a few people, especially the elderly, who can’t afford even to drive daily for chemo treatments,” Zornow said.
The pantry also provides Christmas gifts to needy children, and partners with St. Gregory’s Catholic Church to serve hot meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
“We consider it a privilege to be able to work here and help other people,” said Hilda Oakley, a volunteer for more than eight years. “We feel like we’re doing God’s work. We know we’re helping a lot of people.”
If you would like to donate or volunteer at the pantry, or if you need assistance, call 615-597-4961 or 615-714-1242. You may also call the Smithville Police Department at 615-597-8210 and ask for Chief Mark Collins or Captain Steven Leffew.
Food is distributed on the first and third Friday of every month from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The pantry is located at 430 East Broad Street.
