For many years, Lampeter United Methodist Church, 1101 Village Road, Lancaster, had a food cupboard, but due to the pandemic, some of the church staff expanded and renamed the ministry. Located inside the church, Blessings Pantry offers short term food assistance to those who have encountered difficulty due to illness, job termination, disability, overburdened financial obligations, and domestic situations.

Instead of calling to make an appointment, people can now come to the food pantry during open hours. "We implemented this change because we thought it would be a little less intimidating to just show up rather than call," said Blessings Pantry staff member Nancy Snyder. "We want people to feel comfortable stopping in because it isn't easy asking for help sometimes."

Also new to the pantry is a baby section stocked with diapers, formula, soap, lotion, and more. Recently, Blessings Pantry hosted a drive through food box giveaway. "We're looking to do an activity once a month, and the box giveaway was just the beginning," stated Blessings Pantry staff member Ivan Haines.

Blessings Pantry is always looking for food donations, especially peanut butter, jelly, applesauce, and canned fruit. Occasionally, a member of the congregation who works at Wegmans brings produce, bread, and meats for the pantry on Sundays.

"If there is a need, we're looking to fill it," stated Snyder. "This is a nonjudgmental place. We're not income-based; we just ask people to come (no more than) once a month."

"We're here to serve the area," said Haines. "We'd also like to get involved more with the Lampeter-Strasburg School District."

Blessings Pantry is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. People can also call 717-464-4161 to make an appointment. For more information, email lumcoffice@comcast.net, visit http://www.lampeterumc.com/food-cupboard, or search for "Lampeter United Methodist Church" on Facebook.