How to Organize a Church Food Pantry

Food pantries are a ministry of many churches across the country. They serve the needs of their community during times of natural disaster or personal crises, helping members and non-members alike. A church's food pantry is usually open on a part-time basis and maintained by volunteers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Organize a Church Food Pantry

1. The church must select a committee from among its members during a regular business meeting after the establishment of the food pantry has been approved by the congregation. This committee should consist of people who have organizational and communication skills as well as adequate time to devote to the project.

2. The committee will decide on the location of the food pantry. In a large church, there may be conference or storage rooms that can be utilized for this purpose. Other churches may consider buying a portable building that is not a of the existing church structure.

3. The committee begins a food drive. The initial food drive should be a major event promoted by the church in order to get the pantry stocked. The committee and the rest of the church members can ask community leaders, local businesses and other churches to contribute. Ongoing food drives can then be announced in newspapers along with lists of needed items (See food list in "Reference 1").

4. The committee sets a schedule for the operation of the food pantry. Local need and the size of the community dictate the number of hours and days that the pantry should be accessible. Hours for individual volunteers should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

References

• Suggestions for Food Drives and Food Lists for Pantry