Food and faith are served up in equal measure at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill; a place where food is given freely to all who need it.
“We started the pantry in April to help families and individuals who struggle with food insecurity. We knew COVID would cause added stress and we see people every week who are asking for help that have never had to seek help before,” explained Chance Martinez-Colon, Member In Discernment and Justice and Community Engagement Ministry Coordinator at Spring Hill United Church of Christ. “We do not require any proof of need, income, or residency.”
“We just want to help as many people as possible.”
Open the first and third Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. until noon, the pantry provides nonperishable foods of many varieties–with each beneficiary family receiving a $10 Publix Gift Card for perishable items they may need.
The pantry is always open to community donations of nonperishable foods–but at this time, it is also in need of another precious commodity: People in need of help.
“Anyone in need or anyone wishing to donate is welcome,” said Martinez-Colon. “We average helping 10-20 families a week but we have capacity to help so many more.”
‘Sun’shine Summons
On a general basis, the ‘Sun’shine Summons section of the Show Us Your ‘Sun’shine column calls upon readers to donate or volunteer for worthy philanthropic efforts. This week, we would like to expand this focus to put out a call for both donations and beneficiaries for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
If you want to give or receive food, visit the pantry the first and third Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. until noon. No documentation or proof of residence is required. Their doors are open.
Submit your good news to community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected]. Show us your ‘sun’shine!
