In February, our Grace Pantry served a record 145 families — the highest monthly count in the pantry's twelve-year history. As food insecurity continues to rise in our community, the need grows greater. We are grateful for every volunteer and donor who makes this ministry possible. To get involved, contact Maria Gonzalez at the church office or drop by the pantry on Saturday mornings.
The Grace Pantry, which operates every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in our Fellowship Hall, provides groceries, fresh produce, dairy products, and household essentials to families in need throughout the Springfield area. No documentation or proof of income is required — we serve anyone who comes to our door, no questions asked.
This record-breaking month was made possible by the tireless dedication of our 35 regular volunteers, generous donations from congregation members and local businesses, and a partnership with the Central Illinois Foodbank that allows us to stretch every dollar donated. For every $1 given to the Grace Pantry, we are able to provide approximately $8 worth of food to families in need.
Behind every statistic is a story. Last month, a single mother of three told us through tears that the Grace Pantry was the only reason her family had food on the table after she lost her job. A retired veteran shared that our pantry had restored his faith in community. These encounters remind us why this ministry matters and why we must continue to grow.
Looking ahead, we are working to expand our capacity to serve 200 families per month by the end of 2026. To achieve this goal, we need additional volunteers for Saturday morning shifts, monetary donations to purchase bulk food items, and community partners willing to host food drives on our behalf. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please contact Maria Gonzalez at maria@diakoniacc.org or call (217) 555-0180.