A few words about our food pantry~

Thoughts on Food Pantry

In 1999, a group of concerned, caring and compassionate members of Garfield Park Baptist Church observed and listened to the needs of the neighborhood surrounding our church. Meetings were held regarding these needs, prayers were prayed, and the question was asked: What is God calling us to do for this community? Seeking to do God’s will and not our own, a vision to open a food pantry became clearer and clearer. We did not know where or how to begin but we knew God would provide the way.

One Sunday, Rev. Richard and LaVerne Padrick visited our church. Rev. Padrick, a retired American Baptist minister, had experienced homelessness in Chicago as well as organized and gave leadership to a food pantry outreach ministry in Milwaukee. When he heard we needed help to start a pantry, his passion to help others took over. He stepped up and gave us the blessings of his experience and our vision became a reality on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2002.

From day one, God has blessed this ministry. It has touched the lives of many thankful pantry patrons, relationships have developed, some had worked in the pantry, some have requested prayers for their personal situations, and others have helped pick up, load, and unload food to stock the pantry shelves. Meaningful relationships have come alive.

Not only have the lives of our patrons been blessed. Words cannot express the blessings the staff have received from this ministry. The smiles of concerned parents when they receive food for their hungry children are priceless.

~ Jackie C.

Currently the food pantry needs:
~ Canned Vegetables
~ Tuna
~ Instant Potatoes / Stuffing
~ Macaroni & Chese
~ Soup
~ Jelly
~ Pasta
~ Bath Soap
~ Toilet Tissue