New Life Ministries food pantry switching to ALDI gift cards
New Life Ministries is starting off 2022 with changes to its community food pantry, which the church has operated since the early 2000s.
“We have phased out the food boxes,” Shelia Grossenbaugh from the church said. “Those who are signed up and stayed signed up will continue to receive money on a card for ALDI. We are not taking any new sign-ups, but if you are signed up and on our records, you will receive a card.”
A certain amount of money will be provided for each family.
“ALDI has always worked well with us,” Pastor Mark Granger said.
The ALDI cards will be given the third Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the church.
“We had to make a change,” Granger said. “I had my second stroke, and most of our help was 70-80 years old. We are very thankful for everybody that has worked with us.”
In December 2021 the food pantry served 353 clients and gave out 198 boxes of food. Items were provided through contributions made by faithful donors.
“We will keep going as long as we can and as long as we have donors,” Granger said. “I’m just so thankful for all the volunteers and friends we’ve made. The people of our community have really helped us out over the years and made this possible.”
While they are no longer taking food donations, anyone wishing to make a monetary donation is still welcome to do that. Money marked for the food pantry program can be sent to the church at New Life Ministries, 727 S. Seventh St., Coshocton, OH 43812. Any food they had left over is being dispersed to other food pantries in the community.
“We fed people well,” Granger said. “I’m sure people will miss it, and we will miss it, but it was just too much work for too many people.”
Category: Faith
