SEBASTIAN — The Ecumenical Food Pantry on Roseland Rd. will receive $5,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans thanks to a grant request submitted by Christ the King Lutheran Church of Sebastian.
“The funds, to be presented at the Nov. 4, 9 a.m. worship service of Christ the King church, will be used to purchase food supplies, especially fresh foods which are difficult to donate,” said Jinny Earnshaw, director of the Ecumenical Food Pantry.
“We’re so honored to be able to give these funds to the Ecumenical Food Pantry,” said Doris Kilbane, social services ministry chair. “Christ the King members understand the local need for food donations in these challenging times facing so many who have had regular jobs in the past.”
Every week the pantry distributes 100 boxes of foodstuffs to those in need. Each box contains basic staples designed to last 4 to 7 days for a small family. Clients receive one meat, fresh produce, and pet food when available.
“The pantry fed 15,770 people over the pantry’s latest fiscal year. Due to the growing need in the area, the pantry has been using financial donations to purchase about $1,000 of food supplies weekly,” explained Earnshaw.
As much as possible is purchased through the regional Food Bank.
“The need for help has grown the past year or two because unemployment in our area is at an all time high due to the downturn in construction, housing losses, and lack of seasonal work,” said Earnshaw. “We try to help all who ask.”
Additional Fund Challenge from Thrivent
Thrivent Financial has issued a challenge to Christ the King and others to help the food pantry still more.
“Thrivent will donate 50 cents for every dollar we raise through the end of the year up to $10,000. Thus, we would get a maximum of another $5,000 if we raise $10,000 in donations. We’re excited about the opportunity to receive additional grant funds from Thrivent for the food pantry,” Kilbane added.
“We invite others to join us in this drive to help us help others. Donations may be sent to Christ the King Lutheran, 1301 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian, and designated Ecumenical Food Pantry. We will submit a list to Thrivent showing the source of all donations,” replied Kilbane.
The Ecumenical Council in Sebastian sponsors the food pantry. The pantry is supported through financial and food donations by more than 12 churches and 25 organizations. It receives donations from the Ecumenical thanksgiving service sponsored by the Ecumenical Council and food supplies from the annual Postal Food Drive.
The need has been so great this year that all the supplies from the Postal food drive were distributed to families within a six-week time period compared to three months in prior years.
The Thrivent Financial grant to Christ the King is one of 91 made across the United States, and one of the five awarded to church outreach projects in Florida. Nationally, Thrivent received 228 applications for the Lutheran Community Economic Outreach Bridge Grant.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the nation’s largest faith-based, not-for-profit fraternal benefit society. It offers a variety of financial services through the strength of more than $75 billion in managed assets.
