It is that time of year again many households are already making plans for Thanksgiving. LehmanChurch's Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry will be a part of those plans for many in our community. In an average week, 45 bags of food are given out to a wide variety of people. Remember, 1 in 6 Montgomery County residents are struggling with food insecurity. 

The need for our food pantry has grown exponentially over the last few years, with the pandemic creating an increased need in our local community. The pantry is not a budget line item for our church. It is solely dependent on food and financial donations from the congregation, neighbors, local businesses, civic groups, and scouts. 

Pastor Andy recommended we make a visit to Blessings of Hope, a non-profit organization in Leola, Pa. In June, Terry Morissette and Lisa Lang toured the facility and made their first purchase for the pantry. Everything is sold at 19 cents per pound. With two grocery carts overflowing and no room left in the car, they spent $25.84. 

Since then, they have made several trips to Blessings of Hope purchasing large quantities of food staples, fresh produce, and treats for our food pantry clients. Terry and Lisa never know what they will find on the shelves of the warehouse at BOH. In August they purchased a large number of healthy cereals and breakfast bars. Each box of cereal in a local grocery store would have cost close to $4 or more. The savings per box of cereal was $3.86. Every bag of non-perishable food that is distributed contains a box of cereal, a savings of $173.70 per week on just one item purchased at Blessings of Hope.

The savings allow the pantry to purchase fresh produce, meat, eggs, butter, and cheese from local discount markets expanding the nutritious food we can provide to those in need. 

No matter what your plans are for Thanksgiving, please take a moment to give God the glory for our food pantry ministry. Those who donate, those who volunteer, and those who benefit from this ministry are all blessed to be a part of it.