It’s surprising what a little faith can do. That's the message coming from Faith Market Food Pantry, an outreach organization building its service to the Colchester community.
According to Pantry Spokesperson Stephanie Friday, the pantry is planning an open house from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at their 102 S. Coal St. location. The public is encouraged to check out their new distribution room, and a number of activities will be held. Regular donations of grocery items and money to Faith Market can be made on Saturday from 10 a.m.noon and on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.
Faith Market began its operations last fall. In an earlier story by this reporter, we incorrectly stated that the first operations were at Colchester City Hall. In fact, the pantry began offering a variety of grocery items at the Tabernacle of Faith. In addition, while the service utilized the sanctuary of the church, the church itself does not operate the service.
Progress is coming in stages. As of July 25, Faith Market has opened its main pantry room in the back of the old Colchester Post Office. Entry is now through a ramp into a brightly-lit room with grocery items on new metal shelving.
A single individual was responsible for the renovation of the old facility. Friday indicated that 96 individuals have already been served in July, with another week to go.
Eventually, Friday indicated a soup kitchen is in the process of being created in an adjacent room. Creating an operational kitchen and dining area will take time and additional funding, but it is one of the long-range goals of Faith Market. The pantry is currently working with Midwest Food Bank in Morton, as well as the River Bend Food Bank out of Davenport, IA. When asked about current needs, Friday replied that the pantry always needs canned vegetables and fruit. Fresh sweet corn is now available, thanks to Katie Ruebush and her son, Wyatt. In addition, monetary donations are always welcome.
Faith Pantry has received help from the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) and its West Central Illinois Gives (WCIL) campaign; the Salvation Army and the McDonough County Health Department, with surplus from its Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. The organization has also applied for a grant through Ameren.
Moving mountains might be a tall task, but there's no doubt that Faith Market is doing its part to supply grocery items for those in need.
The Faith Market Pantry before renovations
