First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, located at 101 South Decatur St., Strasburg, formed a community food bank in 2015. "It's for anyone who walks in the door," said June Stum, chair of the food bank committee. "It's really a mission of our church to reach out to folks in the community, and it's far reaching ... however far it wants to be. We just want to help folks."

Stum noted that the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg is very mission oriented. The church's pastor, the Rev. Robert "Bob" Bronkema, lived in Italy and Russia, the latter of which is where he and his wife ran a soup kitchen and an orphanage. "He is so focused on community, and this (food bank) is a community outreach thing," stated Stum. According to Stum, the food bank has become the central focus of a social ministry that Bronkema is attempting to build and grow.

The church's food bank has approximately 60 registered families, some of which come from Conestoga, York, and Gordonville. Stum noted that the food bank committee does not turn anyone away, and eligibility is not income-based. Those registered can come to the food bank as needed; there is no limit on the number of visits. If there is a need, the food bank committee wants to help fill that need.

The food bank is open every Tuesday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Families looking to register with the food bank are asked to complete a brief intake form. The committee provides a reusable tote bag, which should be brought to the food bank to pick up groceries each time. Shoppers may select their own items. In addition to nonperishable items, the food bank offers dairy products, bread, personal care items, paper goods, eggs, and meat. The committee recently contracted with Fashion Cents of Lampeter to provide registered families with gift cards to the consignment shop. Families can receive a gift card once a month.

Stum acknowledged that it can be difficult for people to ask for assistance. "We just want to help them. That's why we just welcome them with open arms," she assured.

The food bank committee welcomes donations, which can be dropped off anytime the church is open. Donations should be placed in the bins designated for the food bank, located near the welcome desk. A full list of donation items can be found at http://www.straspres.org.

For more information, call the church office at 717-687-6030 or email Stum at jastum710@comcast.com.