 |
 |
 |
Food Pantry
As part of our ministry as Christians, Emmanuel Parish serves those in need in our community and beyond.
Jesus said, when the son of man comes in his glory . . . then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing . . . just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25)
In 1983 Our Daily Food Pantry, which is housed at Emmanuel Church, was established by the Norwich Ministerium (the local board of pastors). Since that time the Food Pantry has continued to be an essential ministry in the community, done totally with volunteer staff made up largely of people from various churches in the community, with the addition of some who are not involved in any faith community. The food pantry is admistered by a board of directors.
The need for the Food Pantry is shown by the statics for the number of persons helped in recent years. In 2003 the Food Pantry served 2166 families. In 2004, the number of families from all over Chenango County helped was 2317: 226 adults over 65; 4458, adults under 65,and 3636 children for a total of 8320 individuals assisted. In 2005, 2,471 families made up of 260 adults over 65; 4821 adults under 65; 4821 children for a total of 8,793 individuals. In 2006, 2,199 families made up of 255 adults over 65; 4,520 adults under 65; 3,334 children for a total of 8,109 individuals.
People may get food from the Pantry once a month. If there is a dire need, they can get a referral from a member of the clergy or Social Services and come to the Pantry more frequently. The Food Panty is open Monday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to Noon and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Friday it is only open from 10 a.m. to noon. It is closed on observed holidays. Emergency bags are available from Emmanuel Church Office when the pantry is closed.
All of the overhead costs for the Pantry are donated by Emmanuel Parish. The Pantry relies on state and federal as well as local foundations, churches and individuals for the funds to purchase food. Largely because of the food pantry, (as well as the clothes closet that was run at Emmanuel for many years), Emmanuel has become a landmark for those with many different needs in our community. Many people know Emmanuel as “the building where the food pantry is.”
If you have some time and would like to be a part of this effort of service, please contact us by phoning (607/334-8801) or e-mailing the Parish Office.