White County Food Pantry

We became aware of the White County Food Pantry
somewhere around 2010, and had fundraisers for them, we
often received matching Funds from Thrivent. Nettie
Diebold and Sophie Stametz, and Pastor Tim took the
checks over to the Food Pantry. Because of this,
Nettie became involved with those working there and
talking with the folks at the Pantry, found there was a
need for bread every week. In January 2012 Nettie
challenged us at Faith to take a collection every week
at “Fellowship Time” to cover bread for the next week.
Thus started our relationship with the Food Pantry on a
weekly basis. You could find Nettie going table to
table with our collection box collecting money every
Sunday. When Nettie moved away she was looking for
someone to take over and Bob Schmehling volunteered to
buy the bread and collect the money for it. He then
became involved at the pantry and now drives the van to
pick up the food for them. As time went on, about 4
years ago we put money in the budget to pay for the
bread (you can still donate to give money to support
the Food Pantry bread money fund separate from your
regular offering). The cost of the bread has risen
greatly in the last two years.

The White County Food Pantry has been around for —
years and is open five days a week (Mon. - Fri.) hours
are 10:00 thill 12:00. We supply bread for each family
and provide up to 60 loaves a week. They were open
most of the time during COVID, but only a couple of
days a week at first. They are now open every day but
could use more volunteers on certain days.

Most organizations that give out food are having
trouble keeping up with the rising cost of food. The
Food Banks where they go to get food have a small
supply available and organizations are having to buy
food at the local stores. Keep in mind the need is
great to help those who do not have enough money for
food each week. As you know the price has really gone
up significantly in the past two years.

The Food Pantry supplies food to —— families every
week. People can come once a month and get 50 pounds of
food plus special items for children.