Each week multiple volunteers work to provide additional groceries to help local families make their budgets stretch on food, so that other funds can go towards medical bills, utilities and rent. As grocery prices continue to increase, unfortunately household funds do not and groups like the First Baptist Food Pantry help those families have a variety of nutritional items added to their fridge and pantry free of charge. Every Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., eligible families can drive through in front of the local Pantry located across from Bull River Road on Route 5 West, where volunteers will load their groceries into their car and they’re good to go!
It is unfortunate that in every community there are people in need and people who need a moral compass. Last week the pantry was broken into for the second time. The West Virginia State Police are currently investigating the break in, but it is hoped that the community will help the Pantry by watching for people around the building at late or odd hours.
Food Pantry’s, such as that of First Baptist, reach children, seniors, and families. The volunteers spend hours of their own time and money to serve the pantry by traveling to pick up food, searching the internet for good deals on food, making phone calls, organizing the pantry and boxing groceries each week to give away. The food is only free to the community, not to the pantry. This is what makes a crime against it so much worse, they’re literally robbing families, elderly and children, and probably some of their own relatives.
Because the First Baptist Pantry is operated under the umbrella of the church, they are not eligible for federal and state grants and funds that other pantries who are not affiliated with a church can apply for. The pantry has volunteers from multiple churches and organizations and has no conditions other than the required financial guidelines for anyone who needs the service. They rely on and appreciate any donations from individuals or organizations that keep their operation going. For more information, contact Donna Umstead, or mail your donation to the First Baptist Calhoun County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 237, Grantsville, WV 26147. Community groups can always help with canned good drives.
