News Summary
The First United Methodist Church in Laurens is expanding its food pantry services to better assist families in need in Waterloo and surrounding areas. Effective January, special evening hours will be offered, alongside a new pantry partnership with Bethlehem Union Church. The initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity, welcoming anyone from Laurens County with a photo ID. With increasing demand, the church seeks volunteers to help broaden its reach and meet the needs of the community.
Waterloo Welcomes Expanded Food Pantry Services
If you’re in Waterloo or the surrounding areas, there’s some exciting news coming your way! The First United Methodist Church in Laurens is stepping up its game to help families in need. Earlier this month, the church announced its mission to provide even more support through a food pantry that runs twice a week. This comes as a welcomed relief, especially since the church served a staggering 676 families and 898 individuals in just 2024!
New Initiatives to Help More Families
To meet the growing demand for assistance, the church has plans to expand both the hours and locations of its food pantry in the coming year. Starting this January, they’re trialing special evening hours once a month, making it easier for families with daytime commitments to access the food pantry services. The church is actively seeking volunteers and additional locations throughout the county to ensure that help reaches even more people.
This dedication culminates in an exciting new partnership with Bethlehem Union Church in Waterloo. Together, they aim to open a brand-new food pantry in an area that previously lacked such vital services. This initiative not only strives to bridge the gap for residents in Waterloo but also aims to save them the journey to Laurens for much-needed assistance.
Who Can Benefit?
The food pantry services are designed to be inclusive. Anyone residing in Laurens County can benefit simply by presenting a photo ID. This means that if you’re in need of a helping hand, you can head to the pantry without any extra hoops to jump through. It’s all about making life a bit easier for those facing financial hardships, especially during winter months when utility costs can spike.
Pastor Gray Stallworth has noticed a startling rise in the number of families needing assistance over the past year. Given the current economic landscape, it’s expected that these numbers will continue to climb in the future. The food bank’s mission is a heartfelt one: to provide for the “least, lost, and last” in the community—we’re talking about those individuals and families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
A Coalition to Combat Hunger
To address the growing issue of food insecurity in the region, Pastor Stallworth formed the Laurens County Hunger Coalition last summer. The coalition is focused on raising awareness about food insecurity and finding effective solutions to this pressing problem. The church’s expansion efforts are clearly a part of this larger initiative to support the community.
Regular and Special Hours
Mark your calendars! The First United Methodist Church’s food pantry in Laurens operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 2 p.m.. For those who can only make it in the evening, there are special hours set for January 23, February 20, and March 20, running from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
And don’t forget about the new location in Waterloo! It will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 30, February 27, and March 27, hosted at Bethlehem Union Church, located at 4628 Riverfork Rd. Residents can visit one location per month to receive a grocery bag filled with non-perishable items.
Get Involved or Get Help
If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, don’t hesitate to reach out! The food pantry is here to lend a helping hand. For more information, simply give them a call at 864-984-7696. Whether you’re looking to receive support or volunteer your time, the First United Methodist Church and its partners are eager to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Together, this community can ensure that no family goes hungry!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Laurens County’s Growing Food Pantry: First United Methodist Church Takes Charge
Additional Resources
- Laurens Food Pantry Announcement
- New Food Bank Opening in Laurens County
- Upstate Organizations Distributing Food After Hurricane Helene
- Finding Help in the Upstate
- Mobile Food Distribution Event: A Beacon of Hope
