The Northeastern Lancaster County Food Bank had a rough turn of the year, but Dixie Adams, who coordinates the pantry, could see the blessing in the events. "Our freezer broke in December 2023," reported Adams. "We had a flood in January." The pantry has now reopened with enhancements. The food bank is larger, and it has a commercial refrigerator and freezer. "We have a brand-new floor, and it looks so much better," said Adams.

The Northeastern Lancaster County Food Bank is located in St. Paul's United Methodist Church (UMC), 105 W. Main St., Terre Hill. The pantry is open the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 6 p.m. First-time participants are asked for identification. "I confirm their address and phone number and how many are in the family to determine the size groceries they get," said Adams, who added that to utilize the food bank, recipients must live in the ELANCO School District and not participate in other local food banks. Each shopper is given a color designating a small, medium, or large order and a letter from A to C. "The letter determines where they set their groceries while they shop," said Adams, who noted shopping is limited to three participants at a time. "Everyone gets a four-pack of toilet paper a roll of paper towels, detergent, and one miscellaneous item (in addition to food items)," said Adams, who noted the bank has been serving up to 40 families a month since the spring of 2023. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags.

Each month, food bank organizers post at least one recipe that can be made with recent offerings such as a carrot casserole and a recipe for carrot soup. The enlarged food bank includes a stock room and a spot for children's activities such as reading or writing on a chalkboard. Books for adults to take out have a designated corner in the children's room.

According to Adams, unexpired food items that the pantry needs regularly include soups. Non-food items requested include toilet paper, paper towels, and unscented laundry detergent in small containers. A brochure for the food bank asks for donations of items such as peanut butter and jelly, pasta, boxed meal kits, cheese slices, eggs, hot dogs, fish sticks, chicken patties, condiments, juice, cake mix, and icing. Fresh garden produce is available year-round at the food bank, and donations from local gardens are accepted during the summer months. Monetary donations are welcome, as well.

In addition to St. Paul's UMC, area churches that help supply the bank with food items and volunteers are Bethany Grace Fellowship, St. John Center Lutheran Church, Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, Mount Culmen Evangelical Congregational Church, St. John's Center United Church of Christ (UCC), Churchtown UMC, Terre Hill Bible Fellowship Church, Vibrant-A Christian Church, Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, St. Paul's UCC, Pine Grove Church, and Bowmansville Mennonite Church.

Readers who have questions or who wish to volunteer may call 717-715-4628.