Demand for Pantry Rising

In October, Zion's food pantry fed 240 households or 838 individuals. That means through the first 10 months of 2025, Zion has served more households and total people than in all of 2024. Month by month, on average, need is up roughly 30% so far this year. 

The number of people in need now is alarming, and its pushing Zion's pantry to its limits. Pantry leaders reduced the amount of food offered to each household to meet this demand. They lock the doors up to 20 minutes before closing time, just so they can get through the line of people already waiting inside.

But butting up against limits is not the full story. The full story includes the tremendous capacity of Zion's pantry and its leaders to keep pace with the growing need until just recently. Of course, your support is key. As is the dedication of food pantry leaders.

Food rescuers are also key. Food rescuers bring the pantry soon-to-expire food from local stores. Every week, they bring food from eight separate stores, and their deliveries include meat and fruit.

In addition, Zion recently forged a new partnership with a regional food bank out of Peoria that delivers a pallet of food to the pantry once a month. Confirmation students also serve in the pantry regularly. And this winter, Kris Tucker will be applying for new grants for the pantry.

A patchwork of your and others' support make it all possible. Every little bit helps. Thank you for supporting this vital anti-hunger ministry, and thank God we are able to do it.

Jesus fed over 5,000 in the wilderness and continues the miracle every week through Zion's food pantry. Thank you again.

Pastor Clark Olson-Smith