Food Pantry Ministry

FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY

July/August/September 2015

– By Frances Chelline

” I would that ye impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants…”

Mosiah 2:43

There always seems to be activities and programs that the Remnant Church is involved which are little understood or known to the vast majority of the Saints. When we speak of the “outreach” of the Church, all too often that phrase is caught up in our missionary work, the temporal development of sites and buildings, and the day-to-day governance of the Church as a whole.

However, there are many other activities,which are equally important, and which bring help and relief, along with much needed sustenance to many of our Center Place members and those of the local communities. We would like to share just one of these “outreach ministries” with you at this time.

Sister Frances Chelline has been directing the operation of the Food Pantry, housed in the Remnant Church headquarters building, for several years. In that time, literally thousands of pounds of food and food stuffs have been given to those in need. We recently asked Sister Chelline to share some of her thoughts regarding this ministry.

“Working in the Food Pantry is something I truly enjoy doing. I pray every Friday that I will always be kind, loving, and patient to those who come to us in need. The Pantry is open on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Boxes of food are prepared and given to those who have signed up at Lunch Partners.

“When they come to the Food Pantry, they may receive one box of food each month. There are times when someone comes in who has not signed up, but is in great need. We either give them an emergency bag or a box of food. We normally put dry foods such as cereal, macaroni and cheese, crackers, cookies, Hamburger Helper, Ramen noodles and such in each box. A variety of cans, such as vegetables, fruits, soups, tuna fish, salmon, stews, chili beans, broth, etc. is also usually available. Further, peanut butter, cake and cookie mixes, jellies, and canned or dry milk is also given out. When possible, treats such as Heath Bars, Pop-Tarts, candies, tea, and sugar packets can be given to them. So far this calendar year, we have given out 138 boxes of food plus many emergency bags and extra boxes of food.

“We welcome anyone to come and see our Food Pantry in operation and just visit with us any Friday morning. We especially wish to thank all of those who have donated so generously to our cause.”

Perhaps no greater explanation of this ministry which Sister Chelline offers is found in these wonderful words of King Benjamin: “Behold, I say unto you, that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of my God. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 1:48, 49