Discover Fresh Hope: First Baptist Church Food Pantry Opens New Location to Serve the Community

The First Baptist Church Food Pantry has a new home at the Wellsville Clinic. This change, celebrated in a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, promises to enhance the pantry’s services.

The pantry used to operate from a cramped space at the First Baptist Church. The new location offers more room and a better setup for volunteers and clients alike. It will be open on Fridays from 3 PM to 5 PM, making it more accessible for the community.

During the ceremony, Wellsville Mayor Bob Boley praised the volunteers who have kept the pantry running for years. East Liverpool City Hospital CEO Stephanie Conn highlighted the hospital’s commitment to community service, noting how vital partnerships like this are for local residents. “We aim to support our community, and this pantry is a great step forward,” she said.

Kim Brock, from Second Harvest Food Bank, also spoke about the benefits of the move. She mentioned that with a larger space, it will be easier to store and distribute food. According to recent data from Feeding America, food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the U.S., affecting around 10.5% of households. Local pantries play a crucial role in addressing this problem.

The pantry’s story began in 2003 under former pastor Roosevelt Thompson. It started in a small house with inherent challenges but grew to serve many families over the years. The McCuens, who have been pivotal in its operation, expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received. “This is really a blessing for everyone involved. We’re excited about the future,” Terry McCuen remarked.

The new clinic location also allows clients to wait comfortably instead of being outside in harsh weather, improving their experience significantly. Volunteers can now focus on distributing food rather than setting up and tearing down. This change has been celebrated as a much-needed upgrade.

In a world where access to food can be a struggle, the revamped pantry stands as a beacon of hope. It’s heartwarming to see community members come together to support those in need, reminding us that even small miracles can have a big impact.

For more on the fight against food insecurity, you can refer to Feeding America’s report on food insecurity.

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Local News,First Baptist Church Food Pantry opens in new location