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Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry re-opens its doors

The Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry had its grand re-opening on Wednesday.
The Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry had its grand re-opening on Wednesday.
Hayley Jarman/Journal Review
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After closing its doors last summer to expand operations, the Grace and Mercy Food Pantry has reopened as the Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry.

The pantry, which has served local families and individuals for nearly 40 years, held its grand reopening Wednesday, marking a new chapter in its mission to combat food insecurity.

Scott Lehr, head of operations, credited the reopening and expansion to overwhelming community support and contributions.

“We’ve made this name change because we need the help of the community to do everything we do here,” Lehr said. “It’s exciting to be back open, and I believe we can make a real difference with the community’s support.”

Wednesday’s reopening saw more than 140 families, Lehr said.

The pantry’s origins date back to one woman, Andrea Miller, who began feeding those in need out of her kitchen cabinets. As demand grew, the effort expanded into the church’s choir closets, and would eventually become a cornerstone of the Grace and Mercy Ministries.

With food insecurity on the rise, the pantry used its temporary closure to make vital upgrades. A $10,000 grant from the Montgomery County Community Foundation funded the purchase of a commercial refrigerator, freezer, and additional food supplies. Contributions from Home Depot and the church itself further supported the project.

While contractor delays initially slowed the process, local business owners Jamie and Heather Gemino of Gemino Construction and Tree Services stepped in, offering labor at no cost.

“We just paid for the materials because they realized what this pantry means to the community,” Lehr said.

The pantry also adjusted its hours to better accommodate working families. In addition to daytime hours on Wednesdays, the pantry will now operate later in the evening on Thursdays.

“Our goal is to feed people if they’re hungry. Whatever we have, we give out, no questions asked,” Lehr said.

The pantry’s success depends on a dedicated group of volunteers, some of whom have been involved for more than 15 years.

Carla Vogt, dubbed the “pit bull” of the parking lot for her orderly management style, is one of those volunteers.

“It’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done,” Vogt said. “It’s heartbreaking sometimes, but seeing someone smile as they leave makes it all worth it. Even if you can come for just an hour to help out, every little bit makes a difference.”

Vogt’s husband, Bill, is another longtime volunteer, often starting his day early to prepare the pantry for operations. Other volunteers, like Wabash College freshman Reuben Canchola, have found a sense of purpose through their involvement.

“Being far from home, this has helped me connect with the community,” Canchola said. “It’s honestly been really fun. I just enjoy helping out.”

Lehr wanted to also acknowledge the contributions of Pastor Owen Mason & Church Alive of Lafayette for the many donations they made, along with Michael, Janet, and Keith Spencer and Donna Jones who helped with finishing and painting the whole facility.

He also thanked Brock Veach, Jim and Shirley Todd for donating numerous hours of labor.

Kyle Schultz donated his time and created the pantry’s website and Facebook pages.

Lehr urges the community to get involved in the pantry.

“If we get the folks behind us in the community to help us, I believe we can make a real big difference.”

More information can be found at gmcfoodpantry.org or the Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry’s Facebook page.


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