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

The Food Pantry is open

Wednesday and Saturday

8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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. 

📜 Our Story

The St. John's Food Pantry opened in the early 1990s as a humble, one-room operation. Over the decades, church leadership recognized growing food insecurity in our neighborhood and steadily expanded the ministry. Powered by community grants, raised awareness, and a dedicated army of supporters, the pantry now utilizes much of St. John's lower level—including the Great Hall—to comfortably welcome and serve our guests.

📑 Information for Visitors & Clients

What to Bring

  • Proof of residency (required)

  • Reusable bags (optional, but recommended for easier carrying)

What to Expect

  1. Registration: First-time visitors complete a short form. You only need to renew this paperwork if you have not visited the pantry in 6 months or more.

  2. Shopping: Once checked in, a volunteer server will provide you with a shopping cart.

  3. Selection: You are invited to select your own items, which typically include frozen meat or fish, canned proteins, pasta, cereal, juice, canned fruits, vegetables, fresh bread, and up to two rolls of toilet paper or other hygiene products.

Community Standard: All clients are expected to remain respectful of others and follow local community laws and ordinances while visiting

Leadership and How to Help

Our pantry operates entirely on community volunteer power and the leadership of our team:

  • Director: Charlie Goethals (serving since 2010)

  • Officers: Margery Paulen & Sandi Borneman (Treasurer)

Get Involved

  • Inventory & Logistics: Help us receive, stack, and organize large food deliveries in compliance with FDA safety standards.

  • Food Donations: Every item counts! We appreciate non-perishable goods, canned soups, bags of rice, and items collected through community partnerships like the annual Postal Carrier's Food Drive.

  • Financial Contributions: Monetary gifts give our team the flexibility to purchase high-need resources immediately, often utilizing reduced bulk pricing to make your dollar go further.

  • Feast to Feed Fundraiser: Our popular, homemade family-style benefit meal is returning! Keep an eye on our newsletters and bulletins for upcoming ticket sales, venue announcements, and entertainment details.

📞 Questions? Give us a call at (574) 295-1725 to learn more about shopping guidelines or volunteer opportunities.

Charlie Goethals (left) cheerfully lending a hand.

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).