Food Pantry

Daisy’s Food Pantry

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Love INC (517) 552-3620 to set up an appointment. St. Paul Lutheran Daisy’s Pantry is open from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays by appointment through Love INC.

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water…he will by no means lose his reward.  Matthew 10:42

Daisy’s Pantry volunteers have heard often the words “I never thought I would have to use a pantry”. Service has indeed been evident through the sharing of time and resources.  As we venture into 2012, the funding for Daisy pantry is secure due to the many monetary donations, the Robert Lehman memorial designation, a $2,000 grant from Gleaners, St. Stephens support, and even a Kroger gift card donated  by a member.  Weekly Kroger donations, Gleaners donations, public food drive gifts, and the numerous member food donations have the shelves stocked well.  During 2011 a total of 684 volunteer hours went into maintaining the pantry.  Through Daisy Pantry, 277 families received 23,878 pounds of food and other necessities.  Countless hours were also put into maintaining St. Paul’s garden.  This is indeed wholehearted service to the Lord.

In April we purchased food and have received generous donations from our congregation, St. Stephen’s congregation plus Gleaners, Kroger and Hamburg Library.  This has resulted in 1,952 pounds of food.

During the month of April a total of 2,156 pounds of food was donated or purchased, and we were able to distribute 2,215 pounds of food and other necessities to 20 families (64 individuals).

If you know of someone who is in need of food, have them call Love INC (517) 552-3620. The pantry is open on Wednesdays from 2:00 – 6:00 pm. by appointment through Love INC. If you are a member of St. Paul, you may call Arlene Wiltse to set up an appointment.

Pantry needs at this time include Jiffy mixes, jello, pasta, rice sides, crackers and spices.  All items may be placed in the cart now located by the pantry door.   We no longer need egg cartons.  A huge thank you to all who continue to fill the pantry cart.

Origins of Daisy’s Food Pantry:

Several years ago Robert Lehman made a significant contribution to St. Paul in memory of his wife Daisy (also known as Janet Simpson’s mother) to renovate what used to be the Pastor’s office into a child care room. Although that did not materialize, the room was greatly appreciated as a meeting room through the years.

In August of this year, it was suggested that we use the room for a food pantry. As we moved forward with the idea, the family was contacted and asked if it met with their approval to honor Daisy in naming the pantry. They were delighted with the idea and went on to share why it was a fitting honor.

Family had top priority with Daisy, but food was always at the heart of family and social gatherings. It was always her mission to make the favorite foods of those she held dear. During WWII she fed soldiers in a USO kitchen, she volunteered often in her church’s kitchen, loved to bake Christmas cookies for the neighbors and was always ready to take food to someone who was ill. The food stories covered travels, restaurants, weddings, dessert buffets (her favorite), and using the art of cooking to stay connected with family members.

How fitting it is that we name our pantry St. Paul Lutheran Daisy’s Pantry for a lady who used food to reach out to others. We will radiate the love of Jesus into our community as we share food and reach out beyond our walls.

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Love INC (517) 552-3620 to set up an appointment. St. Paul Lutheran Daisy’s Pantry is open from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays by appointment through Love INC.

Daisy’s Food Pantry Coordinators:

Linda Freeman, Sandi Klump, Ellen Johnson, Betty Knebl, Nancy Raynes, and Arlene Wiltse

Grants to support our Food Pantry have been provided by: Church Extension Fund and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans