"I am passionate about food justice issues and access to food," said Jennifer Lancaster, who, along with Elspeth Naramore and several other volunteers, coordinates the Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church Food Pantry. "The food pantry addresses a lot of those issues."

The pantry is open on the third Friday of each month in the gym at the church, 1865 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m.

To turn the gymnasium into a choice pantry, up to 15 volunteers arrive at the church by 2 p.m. to begin filling half the area with about seven rolling shelves holding a variety of sorted and labeled food items, including cereal and canned foods. Several tables are set up for fresh food, and two freezer units placed near a service window are utilized as well. Donated shopping carts are brought in for the 25 or more families that shop when the pantry is open.

At 3:30 p.m., a volunteer at a table near the door registers recipients, who provide basic information, such as name, address, family size, and income based on the honor system. The pantry mainly serves those living in Manheim Township and East Petersburg. Pantry volunteers are also aware of being intentional in their efforts. "We use specific language," explained Lancaster. "Those who come to receive food are neighbors, and they are shopping."

"(Neighbors) can take a number of items based on family size," explained Naramore. "They fill up their carts, and they receive fresh and frozen items as well based on what we have."

The pantry draws from three main food sources - the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Harrisburg, Community Action Partnership in Lancaster, and, in the summer, Harvest Lane Farm Market in Lititz. The most recent addition to the list is the pantry's own garden, located behind the church in a former play area. The garden was Lancaster's idea based on her concern about the number of miles food travels to the pantry along with creation care, which brings church members back into touch with the Earth. "As a church, it makes sense to utilize the resources we have," said Naramore, who noted that the first garden was planted in the summer of 2020. "We have the land sitting there, so what a great idea to use it to help people." A number of church members volunteered to help by delivering and tilling soil, watering, and picking produce. The 2021 garden added zucchini, tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, cantaloupe, and butternut squash to the pantry's shelves.

Lancaster noted that a lot of the pantry volunteers are retired and that they often work together with younger volunteers' children at the events. The pantry welcomes both neighbors and volunteers. More information may be found by visiting http://www.lancbic.org/food-bank and clicking on "Ministries."