It brings us immense joy to work along side The Refuge. This men's ministry is not only committed to our Food Pantry & Outreach, but also to making a tangible difference in our community. As volunteers, they tackle the heavy lifting of moving food upstairs and stocking shelves to help prepare for when the pantry operates each week. They also volunteer while our food pantry is open, offering assistance to people, informing them about food options, and even helping to carry groceries to vehicles. Their unwavering support is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.

When I heard about the food pantry, I thought it would be a great way to help adults and children. I've always liked to help people with whatever it may be. As a volunteer I get to be a part of a family atmosphere with the people who visit each week. I enjoy getting to know them and hearing about what they like or any of the concerns they may have. I can see in our conversations that they know the food pantry is a safe place and I really enjoy just talking with them.

My role as a volunteer is to do whatever is needed whether it's cleaning, unloading a delivery, restocking shelves, breaking down cardboard boxes, seeing if any other volunteers need help, checking people in at the front desk, helping people to their car with groceries, and praying with people. The most important thing I do is whatever Jesus puts in my heart and to be compassionate.

When we got married, we had a lot of individual debt that ended up being overwhelming as a couple. We also had to put some work into our house and had a lot of vet bills from our dogs-plus, we have three kids! While our income looks good on paper, we had just enough money to pay our bills and spend nothing extra every month. A friend who worked at the food pantry recommended that we go while we were struggling financially. At first, it didn’t seem like it was for us because of who we thought “needed” to go to a food pantry. Once we got past this and started going, the food pantry relieved so much financial stress for almost a year while we were figuring out how to manage some of the problems. There are tons of options at the food pantry, even for me who has a lot of dietary restrictions! They have toiletries and foods specifically for kids and babies. Everyone is so kind there and not judgmental either! Shad and I highly recommend using The Lancaster Vineyard Food Pantry when you need it, no matter your situation!

We were looking for ways we could serve, and the food pantry has turned out to be something we both anticipate doing each week. We enjoy the fellowship with the other volunteers, and, most of all, being able to relate to the people we meet each week. As our economy continues to turn downward, this is a service that is becoming more and more important to our community.

Most of my career has been in social service and it was through that process that I was consistently impressed and amazed by the impact that food pantries have in our community. I have helped at the Food Pantry & Outreach by preparing produce and bread to be distributed and helping people as they are shopping in the bread section. I choose to serve here because if I am following Jesus, I need to be serious about caring for the needs of others. And by serving others, I am serving him.

My absolute favorite thing about volunteering is meeting the people who come to the food pantry. There is nothing better in this world than being given the opportunity to serve someone else. Not only that, but you get to do it with other volunteers who feel the same way. There are such a variety of ways to help that you are sure to find something that you will love to do. And it is so much fun!

I decided to get involved with the food pantry, because I saw an opportunity to branch out and connect with people. As a volunteer I pass out produce, meat, beverages and make sure that the people in line are getting what they need. On Wednesday mornings the food pantry has a food truck delivery that I help with unloading as well. My favorite thing about volunteering is the great people. They are all so nice, it gives me something to look forward to every Wednesday! The food pantry is a warm and welcoming place. You don’t have to commit your whole day there. Even just coming for an hour gives you an opportunity to serve.

I first heard about the food pantry from a friend. I had been helping with an oil change outreach and when that was done I asked if there was any other ways to serve. That is how I became a volunteer. Serving at the food pantry gives me something to do. I like people, and this gives me the opportunity to get closer with people. I have been a volunteer for 7-8 years and have helped with all kinds of things; unloading the truck, mowing the grass, putting in the air conditioning. If you’re interested in helping at the food pantry, I would say try it and see if it’s for you. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes here. Being a volunteer, I am very appreciative.

I found out about the food pantry because My aunt lives across the street and we go there to get food. The volunteers are nice and good people. When I visit my aunt, I like to come to the food pantry to volunteer. I have helped stock the shelves and help people to their car with their groceries. I like helping people a lot. My favorite part of volunteering is being with people. Being involved at the food pantry makes me feel like I actually belong.

I became involved at the Food Pantry when I was doing a project at church with teenage girls to do community service. That was about 8 years ago. When you have been around for 8 years you, get to do just about anything like stocking shelves, cleaning the freezers, breaking down bulk items like jams and sugars into smaller packages, and helping people shop the baking items. I also pick up the bread donations from Kroger and Panera and bring them to the pantry. My favorite part about volunteering is getting to see the smiles on the people’s faces. Some of the people here are so happy that they cry when they see what they get to take with them. It’s very rewarding and very humbling. I like having the opportunity to talk with people. You really get to know people by being here.