New Red Oak location for Christ’s Cupboard pantry

After 23 years in its current location at 604 4th St., in Red Oak, Christ’s Cupboard Community Food Pantry is moving this spring. The new location will be 206 E. Coolbaugh, Red Oak.

“Since our beginning, not only has the need for our services grown, but we have outgrown the current facilities,” explained Lori Johnson, Christ’s Cupboard Community Food Pantry advisory board member. “We are excited to continue the work God has begun.”

Johnson said Christ’s Cupboard Community Food Pantry was established as a ministry of compassion to help meet the short-term needs of hungry people in Red Oak and the surrounding communities.

“Our policy is to offer assistance to those who need food and to provide referral information regarding other helping agencies, on a short term basis,” said Johnson.

The pantry was established in 1998 through the assistance of the Bill Horner family, who donated the use of their building.

“In addition to providing food, we also offer dishes, linens, small appliances and clothing for men, women and children,” said Johnson. “We have an office where their food needs are evaluated and nonperishable items are bagged for them. This includes a food voucher to the Fareway grocery store where they can get perishable items like bread, milk and eggs.”

The pantry receives donations from individuals, school, local government entities, organizations and churches in order to provide to those in need of assistance.

“The pantry is run completely by volunteers from the community. In the event that our food donations can’t fulfill the needs of clients, we buy additional staples,” explained Johnson.

With the upcoming move, Johnson said the pantry will be required to pay rent for the first time since its inception. The pantry is always accepting donations, which include personal hygiene supplies, clean seasonal clothing for men, women and children, household items, non-perishable food items, cash for food vouchers and cash for rent and utilities.

Christ’s Cupboard is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays.