For a long time, it had been the vision of Mission Church, 651 Lampeter Road, Lancaster, to open a food pantry to the community. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church shifted staff roles to keep everyone employed, and after receiving a donation of 12,000 pounds of food, the staff decided to act on the vision of opening Mission Food Pantry. On April 9, 2020, the church officially landed the pantry.

At first, the staff members were unsure of how to run a food pantry, so they contacted several food pantries across the country for help. Mission Food Pantry operated out of the church's gymnasium for several months. Knowing the food pantry had to be relocated, the staff renovated four unused classrooms in the facility. By August of 2020, Mission Food Pantry moved into its permanent home.

"In the beginning, it was eye opening to see how much need there was in the community," said Brian Bitler, director of Mission Food Pantry and director of operations and community impact at Mission Church. "We don't do income verification. If people say they have a need, we want to make the food available to them."

Mission Food Pantry partners with four different food banks in the area and receives donations from several local businesses. "It's a community effort," stated Bitler. "We have the privilege of housing everything, but we're all working together to help those in need in our community."

Bitler noted that he and the staff try their best to take the stigma away from accepting help from others. At Mission Food Pantry, Bitler wants everyone to know there is no judgment. "If food is available, we want to help and show the community we love them," he said. "Help is available, so please come."

Currently, Mission Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. One box of nonperishable food is given to each household once a month. Individuals may pick up their box on any day the food pantry is open. Reservations are not necessary. Individuals are strongly encouraged to bring identification.

Those wishing to donate items to Mission Food Pantry may visit http://www.missionfoodpantry.com for a list of items the pantry needs. Items that are always priorities include canned vegetables and fruit, canned chicken, beans, rice, and cereal.

For more information, email foodpantry@mission-church.com or call 717-393-9600.