by Kathryn Dyksterhouse

I went to the grocery store today to stock up on groceries for the week. I bought so much food that my reusable bags did not provide enough space, so I had to use several plastic bags as well. When I got home, I noticed some expired food in my refrigerator and pantry that needed to be thrown out. And I was struck by the fact that the overflowing bags that I brought in from the car would only provide meals for my family for the next week or so. What an abundance!

And then I sat down to write today’s blog post about Westminster’s Mission of the Month for September: The Greenwood Food Pantry. It is so easy for me to go about my day and not think about those in our community who are not able to pile groceries into their cars and stock their pantries. But there are so many. And the Greenwood Food Pantry is helping to meet the basic needs of these families every week.

On Sunday, September 22^nd, the youth of Greenwood will once again be going door-to-door throughout our community, collecting cans of food for the Food Pantry. While there are many great food drives throughout the year, this is by far the largest and is essential to the operations of the Food Pantry. Please mark this date on your calendar and by an extra bag or two of food to donate. All you have to do is leave it out by your front door – the youth will take care of the rest.

Last year, Westminster volunteered at the Food Pantry after the Youth Canned Food Drive. Because there is such an abundance of food that comes into the facility after this event, they can always use help sorting the food. Not only was it an eye-opening experience to gain a greater understanding of the Food Pantry and how it works, but it was also a great opportunity to spend time with the regular volunteers of the Food Pantry. Tommy Ellett is always so welcoming and gracious to anyone who passes through the doors. If Westminster volunteers as a group again this year, I would encourage you to participate! And even if you are unavailable on that particular day, you can go on your own. They are open from 1:00 – 3:00 every Tuesday and Thursday and would love to have extra helping hands!

As you fill your grocery cart and your pantry over the next several weeks, remember the Food Pantry. Pray for this ministry to our community and those whom it serves!