WHO WE ARE
The Gibraltar Food Pantry
is an outreach ministry of The First Congregational Church of Gibraltar, UCC.
We provide food at no cost for anyone in need.
Overview
The Gibraltar Food Pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers who handle our food deliveries, administrative work, stock shelves, and assist our clients when they come to the pantry. Volunteers from outside the church are welcomed and appreciated.
We are adept at stretching food dollars remarkably well, largely through our close affiliation with the Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit from whom we purchase a variety of perishable and non-perishable foods. This relationship enables us to provide food abundantly to our clients. We spend over 90 cents out of every dollar donated to purchase food at remarkably low prices.
Additionally we are the recipients of the food collected through many local food drives.
The Gibraltar Food Pantry began in 2006 as a response to an economic downturn that deeply affected our community. Many found themselves without jobs, without hope, and with nowhere to turn to provide food for themselves and their families.
For many, this situation continues today. In the early years of our pantry, we provided food to 25-30 families per month. Currently, we provide food to 125+ families per month and well over 300 households per year.
Our guests receive a pre-packaged box of non-perishable items based on family size. Items in these boxes are selected based on a yearly guest survey.
Our guests are also able to customize their food selections and are provided a list of protein items, fresh and frozen produce, dairy products as well as other items that we may have available. This allows our guests to take home foods that they and their families will eat and enjoy.
We distribute Focus: HOPE Food for Seniors, and TEFAP Commodities. (TEFAP is The Emergency Food Assistance Program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.)
We also provide personal care, household cleaning supplies, and pet food when available.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Gibraltar Food Pantry is to provide food for those in need in our community. It began as, and continues to be, an outreach ministry of the First Congregational Church of Gibraltar, UCC. It has become much more than just a ministry of the church, as the food pantry’s base of support has broadened to include other churches, community organizations, and the community at large.
Funding
Our $38,000.00 (2023) yearly budget is funded entirely through grants and donations. While we diligently search out and apply for grants, we depend heavily on donations from community and civic groups. We also rely heavily on individual supporters and the income generated by our fundraisers.
Where Our Money Goes
Over 90 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to purchase food for our clients at remarkably low prices. The remainder covers costs of storing and handling food. We have no paid staff. We do not pay for advertising.
Our Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Lorolie Brown Andrews --- Executive Director
Curt Penland --- Board President
Carol Woggon --- Program Coordinator
Linda Gawlik -- Community Liaison
Chris Cunningham – Inventory Coordinator
Carol Parlette --- Board Treasurer
Doug Woggon -- Member at large
Poranee Penland -- Member at large
Norm Gerow -- Member at large
Karen Gerow -- Member at large
Josephine Ruby – Member at large
Meetings of the Board of Directors are held monthly.
Non-Discrimination
As an organization that administers USDA programs, we are committed to upholding the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.