Monticello Baptist Church

INASMUCH (Food Pantry / Clothing) MINISTRY

*** FOOD MINISTRY ***

Following are non-perishable items needed:

Canned Fruits, Meats & Vegetables,
Staples (Peanut Butter, Jelly, Evaporated Milk),
Dry & Instant Foods (rice, pasta, cereal, tuna &
hamburger helper, drink mixes, crackers, etc.),
Baby Food, Sugar-Free Foods, & Juices.

Purpose: Recognizing that human needs exist here in our area and that one of our church's purposes is to serve the community, this ministry is but one aspect in fulfilling that purpose. We will collect and store food, supplies, and gently used clothing to distribute to low-income families and individuals and anyone who demonstrates an emergency need. The food items will be at no charge, however, the supplies and clothing will be assessed a small fee. We will not be judgmental; we will be caring as we serve others. We will not require accountability of those to whom we serve, but we will be positive in our accountability to God for continuing use of our own blessings.

Guidelines:

1. The name of this Food Pantry/Clothing Ministry shall be "Inasmuch".

...and Jesus said, "INASMUCH as you have done it for one of these,

you have done it for Me"... Matthew 25:40

2. This is a church wide ministry in which everyone is encouraged to participate by donating and by volunteering to work during the hours of operation.

3. This ministry will be governed by a committee consisting of seven members: three representing food pantry, three representing clothing ministry, and one chairperson. This committee will be responsible for planning, policy-making, and fundraising.

4. The hours of operation are Tuesdays from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 - Noon. Emergencies will be handled by a specified contact person.

5. This ministry will be contained in the Annex with the food pantry in the kitchen area and the clothing ministry also downstairs in a designated corner with storage upstairs. All donated items will be received at the Annex during regular operation hours on Tuesday and Saturday only.

6. This ministry will not be responsible for the collection or distribution of appliances, furniture, curtains, drapes, 'knick knacks', or rugs. In addition to food and clothing, we will collect and distribute sheets, blankets, and towels / wash rags.

Food Pantry Donation Guidelines:

1. Commercial canned / packaged food only. Items may be individual, regular, or family sized. Packages / Cans should have labels and should not be dented / damaged or expired. Non-glass containers are preferred.

2. Food Donations need to be items that fit into the following categories so that nutritionally sound meal plans can be distributed.

Food Category

A. Canned Meats

B. Canned Fruits

C. Canned Vegetables

D. Baby Food

E. Ready to serve meal items such as soups, ravioli, etc.

F. Instant foods such as grits, oatmeal, sweetened drink mixes, rice, potatoes, etc.

G. Ready to eat foods such as pudding, Jell-O, applesauce, snacks, etc.

H. Simple food mixes such as cornbread, tuna helper, etc.

I. Staples such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, evaporated milk, etc.

J. Monetary donations to cover fresh foods and refrigerated items.

Supply Category

A. Paper products such as toilet tissue, napkins, paper towels, paper plates, etc.

B. Cleaning Products such as detergents, Lysol, etc.

C. Toilet articles such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products, soap, etc.

D. Infant items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.

E. School Supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, notebooks, etc.

F. Other items such as manual can openers, aluminum foil, zip-loc bags, etc.

Clothing Ministry Donation Guidelines:

1. Gently used, clean clothing of all sizes and for all seasons for men, women, boys, girls, and babies are accepted. Only new undergarments will be accepted.

2. All donated clothing must be clean, new or gently used, and on hangers or folded neatly. Please mark size if tag is unreadable.

3. Gently used shoes should have size marked on sole with magic marker or other label.

4. All donated blankets, sheets (with size indicated), and towels / rags need to be clean and folded neatly.

5. Monetary donations will be used to purchase undergarments or other necessary clothing items.