Accomplishing What Matters: Hunger Eased by Loving People at Memorial Presbyterian Church
Accomplishing What Matters 005: Hunger Eased by Loving People at Memorial Presbyterian Church, by Sheryl Billmeier Hnizda, MPC Communications Director
For over 30 years, Memorial Presbyterian Church has been home to the HELP Food Pantry, a founding pantry of the Midland County Food Assistance Network. HELP, or Hunger Eased by Loving People, fulfills about 600 appointments a year. The church offers space and equipment for the pantry, and donations come from a variety of local sources. Church members also supplement needed items, and we’ve developed an “item of the month” to spotlight a demand, such as cereal, peanut butter, or cleaning products. In September, we are highlighting the need for cake mix and frosting. Girl Scout Troop 50834 will provide candles and other items to create birthday kits for food pantry clients.
Volunteer Jim Neumann says, “I’m amazed at the variety of products that are here in the food pantry.” Each client leaves with over 100 items: non-perishable groceries, fresh food, and household supplies. They are sure to go home with not just sustenance, but also food they will enjoy preparing and sharing with their families. Trish Neumann understands how difficult it is to be on the receiving end of charity, and she takes the effort to make food pantry clients feel welcome and comfortable. She says, “It’s rewarding to see how relieved they are to receive food for themselves and their families.” The entire Midland community has taken great strides to combat food insecurity, and we at MPC are grateful for places like the HELP Food Pantry.
HELP not only provides a means to decrease local food insecurity, but also offers opportunities for volunteers to make an impact in their community. Including pantry director Susan Hoshaw, HELP operates entirely with volunteers, like Norman and Nancy Ott. For three years, the Otts have packed shopping carts for clients and stocked shelves once a week. Nancy says, “I don’t think most people realize how many helpers it takes to keep the food pantry running smoothly and the variety of volunteer opportunities available.” She and Norm share that they also create connections with fellow workers. Nancy says, “We have made new friends by volunteering...and these opportunities have enriched our lives.”
In “Accomplishing What Matters,” Nancy urges everyone to find a place to volunteer. She says, “There are so many ways, something for everyone, not one size fits all. Follow your interests.” Working with the crew in the HELP Food Pantry, Susan says you likely to overhear “conversation and laughter of volunteers in fellowship who are carefully packing groceries and stocking shelves. It is the sound of mission and love in action.”
If are looking for a convenient place to donate non-perishable food and household supplies, please drop off items in the shopping cart located in the church’s Allen Street lobby. The HELP Food Pantry is also in need of additional helpers. Please contact MPC at 989-835-6759 or info@mempres.org for more information.
If you are seeking food assistance, please contact the Midland County Food Assistance Network at 989-832-8947.
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