Shepherd’s Food Pantry sees increased need

The Shepherd’s Food Pantry was born nearly seven years ago out of a desire by a ladies group at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church to do more outreach. So after visiting with bank managers and other food pantries about the feasibility of starting a pantry, the group set the wheels in motion to do just that.

Elaine Schurman, a volunteer at the Shepherd’s Food Pantry at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, organizes juices on a Friday afternoon prior to the distribution of a food.

Over the years, the pantry has seen major growth as it meets the needs of the Bella Vista area, said Kay Gaudian, director of the pantry. Serving 1,346 clients in 2010, the pantry provided food for 7,643 clients in 2015. So far through October 2016, it has served 6,576 clients, which is higher than the 5,782 served in the same time in 2015. Clients from Bella Vista, Gravette, Rogers, Bentonville and Pineville as well as a few clients from surrounding towns utilize the pantry.

While feeding those in need is an essential part of the food pantry’s mission, Guadian said the most fulfilling thing is being able to talk with those in need about the struggles they might be having in their lives and to pray and counsel with them. “We are so blessed to be able to serve our neighbors,” she said. “We are so happy for the support from the community and organizations who get behind us. We couldn’t do it without their support.”

The pantry has seen an increase in need in 2016. People come and go as they get through their challenges, but someone else comes in. “Through this ministry, we have come to know there are real needs in our community and sadly, they continue to grow,” Gaudian added.

In October, the pantry saw 39 new applicants, and in 2016 as a whole there have been 20-25 new applicants a month. Last year, the pantry had less than 15 new applicants a month.

In talking with the clients, the pantry volunteers have found a number of reasons for the increase. Some people lost their jobs and moved back home with mom and dad, but the parents aren’t able to support them.

In other cases, elderly clients have increased medical expenses that cut into their food budget, so they come here for help with food. The same is true for the disabled who struggle with increased medical bills. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is a key component to meet the food needs of the pantry and its clients. While the pantry normally goes to the Food Bank once a month, Gaudian said this time of year the pantry utilizes it twice a month. The pantry sees a dramatic increase in clients during the holiday season.“We’re not that big,” she said, “so the buying power of the Food Bank is critical to meet the pantry’s needs. It makes our dollars go farther.”

Dave Schurman and Diana Wickboldt, volunteers at the Shepherd’s Food Pantry at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, stock a refrigerator with milk prior to the Friday food distribution.

The United Way of Northwest Arkansas also assists the pantry by supplying toiletries. The pantry supplies food that can be used for each meal in a day, including two meat items in its food packages, she said. Families can come once a month, except June, July and August when children are home and the families can come twice a month.

As the holiday season nears, the pantry is gearing up to provide food for a Thanksgiving dinner for the clients, in addition to the regular amount of food given, so there is a need for more food donations. The pantry also gives each client a turkey or chicken as part of the dinner.“The Lord knows how many may be coming and always gives more than is needed,” Gaudian said. “We’ve never not had enough food. We’re very blessed to be a blessing for others.” Volunteers are always needed, she added.

The pantry, located at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd., is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, contact Guadian at 479-855-0272.