DOC Churches Address Food Insecurity
There are a number of Georgia Disciples churches that are working to support the increasing number of people in their community who face food insecurity. The Ray of Hope Christian Church hosts a monthly food giveaway every 4th Saturday beginning at 10 am at their church located at 2778 Snapfinger Rd., Decatur. View the events and flyer on their event page here.
Several Georgia Disciples churches operate a “Little Free Pantry” or “Blessing Box” or similar ministry on their church property. These pantries are small, “Little Free Library” sized pantries installed on a post that are kept filled with non-perishable food and hygiene items by church and community members for use by any who need the support. This is an easy ministry to start! Read more about this movement, how to build a box, FAQs, what to stock, and much more here. Or buy a kit to build a "Little Free Library" here (and turn it into a mini pantry!) Find a pantry or register yours here. If your church already has a mini pantry ministry, send your photos and stories to communications. Photos above are shown in order of descriptions below.
Chestnut Ridge Christian Church, Marietta, has a Blessing Box that is available 24/7 near their community garden. Due to recent government actions and increased food demands, the surrounding community has stepped up their support, and the box is now being stocked with 35-50 lbs of food a day. This church even has an Amazon Wish List to help keep their pantry stocked. Learn more here.
The Table at FCC Warner Robins, has a Blessing Box on the corner of their parking lot that is available 24/7. Members and friends keep it stocked with food and other resources. This project is only one of many of this church’s significant outreach to persons who are experiencing homelessness. Learn more here.
St. Andrew Christian Church, Macon, has a Little Free Pantry onsite that they keep stocked with food. But the week before Thanksgiving and Christmas, the pantry is stocked with a bag that is full of a complete holiday dinner, including a frozen turkey. Keep up with all of St. Andrew’s activities on there FB page here.
Brookhaven Christian Church, Atlanta, has a Little Free Pantry located off Lanier Dr., on the west side of their church building. Donations from members and friends, along with financial support keeps the pantry stocked with a variety of easy to eat and transport food items like granola bars, pop-top meals, canned proteins, water, and much more. Learn more here.
First Christian Church, Decatur, has a Little Free Pantry, located off Ponce De Leon Ave., adjacent to the parking lot. The pantry is supported by members and the community and encourages easy-to-open, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, individual servings of food donations. Alongside this pantry box, is a Little Free Art Gallery, where community art is donated and shared. A third box, a Little Free Pet Pantry, is located near the church’s Chalice Thrift Store, which supports the adjacent Toy Park. Learn more about all of these boxes here.
