Ruby's Pantry

What is Ruby's Pantry?

Ruby's Pantry is an organization that distributes overstock corporate food from our church to families in our community, using a drive-thru distribution process. Purchase a share for a $25 cash donation and get over $150 of food to use or share with friends, neighbors or family members. There is no income limit or residence requirement to participate, however there is a two share limit per adult. The pantry is held each month at the church on the third Saturday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. No pre-registration is required. St. John's is pleased to provide this Christian outreach program to serve our area.

What to expect when you get there?

Distribution is easy and you never have to leave your car. Volunteers will be on hand to direct you where to go and will put the food into your car. While we try to be as efficient as possible, be aware that it could take up to an hour to complete the process. To avoid an accident and for everyone's safety, we ask that you stay in your car the entire time.

There will be one-way traffic in the area. Enter the church parking lot off of County Road Z. It is preferred that you get to the church by coming down County Road Z from the west. Because of the increased traffic, no left hand turns will be allowed into the parking lot. Parking attendants will be on hand to direct you where to proceed. When the distribution starts, you will proceed around to the south side driveway where you will park. Pop open your trunk and/or back seat. Two food shares maximum are allowed per adult. Please have only the driver and the other food share passenger in the vehicle. Remain in your vehicle at all times. Because of the amount of food, your trunk must be EMPTY. If getting multiple shares, the back seat should probably be empty as well. Food shares are pre-bagged. Volunteers will load the food in your car and you will proceed out the driveway leading to Old Oregon Road.

WE ASK THAT YOU NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 8:30 a.m. Food distribution begins at 9:30 a.m. There is much activity in the church parking prior to the distribution. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Ruby's Pantry dates -

January 18 April 19 July 19 October 18

February 15 May 17 August 16 November 15

March 15 June 21 September 20 December 20

What kind of food will we get?

About a day prior to the scheduled pantry, we are provided with a partial list of items to be included in a share. Check here each month to see what will be in this month's share. Be aware that this list is subject to change.

A tentative list of food items for December is: chips, mustard, vinegar, hot chocolate, misc pop, pudding mix, pickles, cereal, potatoes, bread, tater tots, and English muffins.

**All food will be loaded into your vehicle by our volunteers. Because of the fast-paced nature of the pantry, we cannot repackage the food into your vehicle. If you wish to reorganize the products in your car or you brought a cooler for your cold products, you may do so after you leave the parking lot. Thank you for your cooperation.**

Just a reminder that the contribution for a share is $25 cash - a great bargain. If possible, please bring the exact amount. Thank you.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED !!

Volunteers are needed between 8:30 a.m. and noon. There are many jobs to be filled of all capabilities, including set-up, unloading the semi, sort and count the food, fill shopping carts, load food into cars, clean-up. Volunteers should be physically capable of consistently lifting 10-20 lbs. All volunteers should have the ability to be on their feet for the duration, bend, and move at a quick pace. Gloves are available to anyone handling the food products.

Volunteers may purchase a share prior to the pantry start. Volunteer shares must be purchased before 9 a.m.

Volunteer applications must be completed on-line prior to your working at the pantry. Volunteers should be at least 10 years of age and any volunteer under age 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. A background check will be done. Anyone filling out a volunteer form on a pantry day will not be allowed to help that day. They will have to wait until next month. To fill out a volunteer form or for more information on Ruby's Pantry, click the link below.

Ruby's Pantry

Wanted: PLASTIC and PAPER BAGS Also CARDBOARD BOXES

We are in need of paper and plastic grocery bags. They should be clean and without holes. No bread bags or similar type bags. Instead of taking them to the grocery store, please consider recycling them to the pantry. We can also use any small, sturdy cardboard boxes. Please no boxes, tho, bigger than 15" x 20". You can put them on any table in the fellowship hall and we will collect them from there. As always, thank you for your continued support.