Heavenly Food Pantry
The Heavenly Food Pantry at First Congregational Church has been providing food support to our neighbors since 1998. Starting with several generous cash donations and a used freezer, this wonderful ministry went from serving four to five families each month to feeding around 70 families each month, which amounts to approximately 80,000 pounds of food being distributed annually! Staffed completely by volunteers from the church, community, and civic organizations like the Essex Rotary, food and monetary donations have allowed an ever increasing distribution of food to the people who worry about food insecurity. Supported by these local food and monetary donations, Vermont Foodbank, the local Hannaford grocery store, and several food drives throughout the year, each family visiting the pantry is able to leave with an average of over 100 pounds of food. Celebrating over twenty years of dedicated service, the Heavenly Food Pantry continues to be committed to serving the Essex community.
The Heavenly Food Pantry is open two days per month. At this time, the Food Pantry is relaxing the rule on 1 visit per month to the pantry. Residents of Essex Junction, Essex Town, and Westford are welcome to attend each time the pantry is open to select food and essential items for their families.
How do I visit the Food Pantry?
Hours:
- 2nd Monday of the month @ 5:30 – 7:30 pm
- 4th Thursday of the month @ 2 – 6:00 pm (3rd Thursdays in November and December)
- November Dates: Monday November 14th & Thursday November 17th
- December Dates: Monday December 12th & Thursday December 15th
Location:
- 39 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452 (corner of Main St & Church St)
- Mailing address: 1 Church Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452
Items that are especially needed now are:
How do I visit the Food Pantry?
Due to the current health directives, the shopping process has been modified and we are asking only 1 family member come into the church to shop. This way, exposure will be strictly limited for both clients and volunteers.
- Bring proof of address (like a utility bill) and identification for each family member.
- Enter through the front door of the church and receive a number from a volunteer.
- Wait in the Sanctuary until your number is called.
- When the number is called, you will be led into the Fellowship Hall where a volunteer will gather family information and review the proof of address and identification(s).
- After check-in is complete, a masked volunteer will escort clients around the pantry.
- For those unable to drive, please call the office at 878-5745 and leave your name and phone number.
- To ensure safety, clients will not be permitted to enter the building more than 1/2 hour before the pantry opens.
For additional food support, including the application for 3SquaresVT, click HERE.
How do I volunteer?
There are many ways to volunteer to help the Food Pantry on a regular basis, on “shopping” day, or occasionally when it fits your schedule. Many hands make light work, and we will be glad to have your assistance. Examples of ways you can volunteer include:
- Storing food and refilling shelves
- Collecting donated food from Hannaford
- Assistance on Food Pantry days
- Organizing food from a food drive
Use the Contact Form to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
How can I support the Food Pantry?
Food donations are always welcome to help fill our shelves. To make a donation, leave your non-perishable items in the labeled cabinet inside the doors of the Church Street entrance. This entrance will be unlocked Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 am – Noon. If the door is locked, place your donations in the tub on the porch.
Financial contributions are another wonderful way to support the Food Pantry in this time of increased food insecurity and critical need. If you would like to make a gift to the Food Pantry, please send a check (payable to FCCEJ) or click HERE for information about online giving. Please be sure to note “Food Pantry” on your payment.
