Visitors and Clients are able to select or shop from various selections of food and hygiene supplies.

Visitors and Clients are able to select or shop from various selections of food and hygiene supplies.

The Food Pantry is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. unless posted otherwise. 

Entrance to the Food Pantry is at the north (rear) door.  A greeter will be on hand to assist if there are any mobility needs.  The Food Pantry is on the lower (basement) level. 

Please note that there may be a line at times. 

Visitors and Clients - What to Bring & Expect

Please bring a photo identification.  The first time you visit the Pantry you will need to fill out a short form. You will only need to fill this form out again if you do not shop for 6 months or more.

Once you are checked in, a server will provide you with a cart for shopping. There are many options that may include frozen meat or fish, canned meat, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and juice. Shoppers can pick two rolls of toilet paper or other hygiene products. Bread is available.

The Pantry provides bags but you may want to bring your reusable ones for easier carrying.

All clients are expected to be respectful of others and obey community laws and ordinances. 

The Food Pantry story

The St. John's Food Pantry began as a one room operation in the early 1990s.  Over the years many church leaders have recognized increasing local need.  Through community grants and raised awareness, the St. John's Food Pantry has become the largest pantry of its kind in the downtown corridor of Elkhart.  The Food Pantry has since grown into much of the lower level of St. John's with rooms designated for inventory and the use of the Great Hall to accommodate visitors and clients.

Leadership and How to Help

Charlie Goethals has served as Director of the Food Pantry since 2010.  Food Pantry Officers include Margery Paulen and Sandi Borneman (Treasurer).  The Pantry relies on the support of many in the church and community.  Here are some of the ways people contribute:

Inventory help - a crew of helpers is necessary during large food deliveries.  This includes stacking and arranging supplies in an orderly way and to be in compliance with the FDA.  

Donors and contributors - the Food Pantry relies on the donations made by church members and the community at large, including the Postal Carrier's Food Drive.  Financial donations are appreciated to allow the Food Pantry to shop for immediate needs and often through reduced bulk purchases.  That said, every food item donated - from a can of soup to a bag of rice - is appreciated. 

Feast to Feed Fundraiser - This homemade family style meal was on hiatus due to the pandemic but will return soon. Watch for details on how to purchase tickets, venue, and entertainment.

Charlie Goethals (left) cheerfully lending a hand.

Charlie Goethals (left) cheerfully lending a hand.

Call (574) 295-1725 with any questions you have about shopping or about contributing..

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that provides older Americans nutritious meals and safety checks at little to no cost. The meals can be delivered to your home if you meet eligibility requirements or you can go to a food pick up site. Click on the link above for more information.

Veteran's Guide

VeteransGuide.org is an initiative founded by the Disability Advocate Group, LLC. We provide comprehensive educational materials and direct access to a panel of expert counselors and legal professionals in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, LLC (NAVDA).