Recognizing the immense community support the Bethel Churches United (BCU) Food Pantry provides as it ministers to neighbors impacted by adverse circumstances, on April 26, Cargill, Inc. awarded a $7,500 grant to help ensure its continuing operation.
On April 10, 2017, the BCU volunteer staff was notified of the following formal announcement from the Cargill Cares Council, “We are pleased to advise that Cargill Premix & Nutrition has approved a grant to the Bethel Churches United Food Pantry in the amount of US $7,500. These funds are in support of providing healthier food choices to your community and can hopefully help your organization to reach more families as well. Cargill is pleased to partner with you and we look forward to hearing about the project throughout the year. We have also requested a corporate match for an additional $3,750 donation. We will follow up in the next few months to let you know if this has been approved. Thank you for your commitment to your community.”
Among many corporate sponsors, Cargill, Inc. is a key contributor to Feeding America, which in turn helps to supply food banks throughout the United States, one of which is the Second Harvest Food Bank in neighboring Springfield, the primary BCU Food Pantry supplier.
In recent years, the BCU Food Pantry, directed by Julie Fisher with strong support from the BCU Executive Board and additional support from various local churches, businesses, civic and service organizations and academia, has progressed steadily toward providing healthy, fresh food, to those who enter its door on Pike Street immediately south of New Carlisle First United Methodist Church. Perhaps the most significant upgrades were purchase a 3-door freezer unit and a 3-door cooler during 2016. According to Julie: “Due to these additions to the pantry, we were able to more effectively arrange the pantry shopping areas in accordance with guidelines set for us by Second Harvest Food Bank. We have also been able to accommodate a greater number of shoppers more efficiently during our service hours and have been able to more equitably distribute the food items in our pantry according to family size. Our distribution of food is fluid according to what we receive, but our templates provide a base and allow new volunteers to very quickly be able to serve the patrons.”
During 2016 more than 93,255 pounds (46.6 tons) of food were distributed along with health and hygiene products to 1,876 households. Astonishingly, this was accomplished by a food pantry staff that is all-volunteer at every level. There are occasions when some of these dedicated servants have walked the second mile by donating their own money to help re-stock pantry shelves. This demonstrates how important it is for all individuals and organizations supporting the food pantry to continue to do so diligently.
Located at 226 S Pike Street in New Carlisle, the Food Pantry is open to patrons on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm and on Fridays from noon to 2 pm. Those who would like to volunteer their time and energy to participate in this community outreach are invited to call the pantry during the same hours at 937 845-1008.
Contributions are 100% deductible on federal income tax returns. Monthly, annual, or one-time donations should be made payable to “BCU” and mailed to BCU Treasurer, PO Box 370, New Carlisle, OH 45344. You will receive a tax receipt.
