The Community Food Pantry has met its goal of $180,000 to begin work on its new facility, which will be located on 17th Street just east of the First Christian Church Activity Center.
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Food Pantry President Dennis Browning said an award of $24,250 was received through a commodity supplemental food program with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This request, announced around the first of the year, allowed the food pantry to hit its financial mark. The money is made available by the state to help non-profit organizations establish food pantries to serve low-income families. Letters of support from Community Action Agency Executive Director Scott Long, Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce President Terri Henderson and Mayor Cathie Smith helped the food pantry in receiving these funds.
The building drive for the Grundy County Resource Center, which will house both the food pantry and the Church Women United’s Thrift Shop, has taken almost two years to reach its goal, beginning with a $1,000 from then-food pantry president Ernest Rousselot. The site to house the building was leased from the First Christian Church, with ground having already been leveled. Concrete will be poured as soon as weather conditions stabilize.
Browning noted that the original plan was to be in the new building by May, but this did not happen according to the time table. He said that the Community Action Agency, which currently houses the food pantry, has graciously agreed to allow for the pantry to remain there until the new building is ready for occupancy.
“Each phase of development will become a reality in its own time,” Browning said.
Once construction is completed and the food pantry has been moved, additional volunteers will be sought to help operate the facility.
“We will need individuals to assist in stocking shelves, distribution of commodities, care of the building and recordkeeping,” Browning said. “Call and be part of something new in the community.”
He noted that persons in the community have been very generous in making the food pantry a reality.
“The capital fund campaign was never forceful, but patient on those with kind hearts and a need to help others,” Browning said.
A breakdown of giving shows donations were evenly spread among groups in the Grundy County area. Organizations gave $56,000, money of which came from clubs, fundraisers and foundations. A total of $48,000 was given by individuals while churches and faith-based groups donated another $32,000. Donations from grants and foundations totaled nearly $66,000 and area businesses gave $44,000. The Neighbor-hood Assistance Program tax credits, for which the food pantry was approved for participation, supported $41,000 of donations given by businesses and individuals, Browning said.
“Donations are still coming in for the building project that will help to purchase equipment, furnishings for the pantry and pay for increased construction cost,” Browning said. “As always, monetary gifts for food and hygiene supplies, plus donated products, are kept separate from the building project.”
Browning thanked those who assisted with raising funds for the project and encouraged continued support of the food pantry.
“I hope many will consider sharing their time as well as their financial support for this local charity,” Browning said.