St. Martin’s Food Pantry: A New Hope for Pike County
Starting August 29, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Troy will launch a food pantry aimed at helping families in need across Pike County. This initiative comes as part of their commitment to support the local community.
The first food distribution will kick off at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot, located at 725 Elba Highway. Future distributions are scheduled for October 31 and December 19. Residents interested in receiving food can sign up now until August 22, with an option for late registration on event day.
This service is designed to assist around 150 families who are on public assistance, emphasizing the importance of local support. “Our community is coming together,” said Church Pastor Father Christopher Boutin. “We’re starting a parish garden to grow food and looking for more local partnerships.”
Jeffrey Blain, who leads the pantry project, noted that this effort was inspired by a growing need for food assistance in the area. “St. Martin has received backing from sister churches, including St. John the Evangelist in Ozark and Bush Memorial in Troy,” Blain added. Together, they aim to make a significant difference for local families.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue, with statistics indicating that nearly 10.5% of Americans experienced food scarcity in 2021, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Local initiatives like St. Martin’s pantry play a crucial role in addressing this problem at the community level.
In summary, St. Martin’s Food Pantry not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters community solidarity. It’s a reminder that when people come together, they can create real change for those who need it the most.
