Partnership Brings Little Food Pantry To Blue Ball
A few years ago, neighbors Darlene Rissler and Melissa Mabry were chatting during a yard sale. Mabry shared that the stewardship committee at VAL-CO Industries, New Holland, where she is an accountant, was looking for a way to give back to the community. She mentioned forming a partnership between VAL-CO and Blue Ball Church of the Brethren (COB), where Darlene is a member and her husband, Quentin, is lead pastor.
"(VAL-CO Industries) wanted to do a little free pantry. (VAL-CO) wanted to construct it but to place it in a more visible spot," noted Darlene, who pointed out that the church location at 1005 E. Main St., Blue Ball, met the requirements.
"We were looking for someone to stock it if we built it," explained Mabry.
The advent of COVID-19 restrictions delayed progress of the project, but in October 2022, VAL-CO employees began constructing the pantry based on plans drawn up by VAL-CO designers. Darlene had hoped to have the pantry in place at the church by Christmas, and shortly before the holiday, the structure was delivered. "PowerPro (Equipment of New Holland) brought a forklift to unload it, and that's appreciated," said Quentin.
The small, red structure now sits in the church parking lot. The storm door on the front bears the words "Blue Ball Community Food Pantry - Take what you need, leave what you can." Inside the pantry are five deep shelves stocked with a variety of food items, as well as cleaning products. "There are no strings attached," said Darlene. "If you need something, just stop and get it."
"We are not looking to replace food banks," said Quentin. "We are looking to supplement 24/7 ... to bridge the gap when food banks are not open."
Members of the community are invited to contribute to the pantry. "The idea is for the community to leave their extra food items," said Darlene. Nonperishable food items and household necessities are welcome, as is fresh produce during gardening season. Darlene cautioned that items are weather-dependent, referencing issues with liquids during the recent cold snap. The church has partnered with Blessings of Hope to help stock the pantry, as well.
"It's a good partnership," said Quentin of the project the church and VAL-CO have worked together to complete. He added that he hopes to provide information at the pantry about other local sources of food for those in need.
More information about Blue Ball COB may be found at http://www.blueballbrethren.org or by searching for "Blue Ball Church of the Brethren" on Facebook. Readers who have questions may email quentin@blueballbrethren.org.
Leave a Review