As local families adjust to the start of a new school year and prepare for the fall months, the Woodland Food Pantry is reminding the community that assistance remains available throughout the year.
Located at Woodland Methodist Church, the food pantry provides neighbors facing food insecurity with a week’s worth of groceries during its monthly distribution. The pantry welcomes guests from 8 to 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at 4428 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road.
Stacy Dickinson, Woodland Food Pantry Ministry Coordinator, said the ministry wants families to know that support continues even after summer feeding programs conclude.
“We invite any community member who needs assistance to visit us on the third Saturday of the month,” Dickinson said. “As school begins and families enter the fall months, we want to make sure our neighbors know that the Woodland Food Pantry is here and ready to help.”
According to Dickinson, participation often declines when the focus on summer food assistance ends. However, the financial pressures facing families do not necessarily end with the summer.
“Once the summer food program concludes and children return to school, we often see fewer families participating,” Dickinson said. “The need is still present, though, and we want families to continue taking advantage of the resources available to them.”
The Woodland Food Pantry has served the community for many years and expanded into a shopper’s-choice pantry in 2015. The approach allows guests greater choice when selecting groceries for their households. Pantry visits are designed to be friendly, welcoming and confidential.
The ministry’s goal is to help ensure that local residents do not have to choose between purchasing food and meeting other essential needs, such as paying utility bills or covering healthcare expenses.
Volunteers play an important role in keeping the pantry operating each month. Additional community members are needed to sort food, prepare the pantry and help distribute groceries during the monthly service day.
“We are always in need of volunteers who are willing to help sort and distribute food each month,” Dickinson said. “Every volunteer contributes to our ability to serve families with kindness, dignity and care.”
Dickinson said volunteering with the pantry is also an opportunity for residents to make a direct and meaningful difference in their community.
“Whether someone can help organize groceries, prepare for distribution or assist families on pantry day, their time is valuable,” she said. “This ministry is possible because neighbors are willing to step forward and serve other neighbors.”
The Woodland Food Pantry is located at 4428 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road. Distribution is held from 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday of the month. Those seeking information may call (334) 272-7230. Volunteer dates and times are also shared through the church’s Facebook page.
Additional information about receiving assistance, volunteering or donating is available on the Woodland Food Pantry website.
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