Food Pantry Coordinator: Kit Nilles
The St. Mark’s Food Pantry operates every Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:00 am. St. Mark’s is an ACCESS Emergency Food Bank Pantry. This allows us to obtain food from Access for a low price. During the worst of the COVID-19 period, Access provided food to the Pantry for free. Volunteers created Covid Boxes and distributed them to people as they drove up. Beginning in the summer, the Pantry was able to move inside to the Community Hall where clients are able to choose food, grocery-store style. Clients enjoy selecting their food, and the pantry is able to provide a nice variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, breads, dairy, meat, and canned goods.
In 2021, we served 4,468 people (comprised of 1,507 families that had children, and singles). 689 clients were over 65. On average, we served 86 people a week.
The Pantry has been fortunate to receive several grants for support that no only paid for food, but allowed us to purchase a pallet jack, rolling shelving, and a Tommy Lift. These items has made it possible for our volunteers to create the wonderful experience for our clients.
