Kimball Baptist Fellowship starts twice-monthly food pantry

The Kimball Baptist Fellowship recently began a project that has been on the hearts and minds of the small congregation for more than a year. They recently started a food pantry.

According to Pastor Dennis Payton and his wife, Karen, the food pantry began with one of the founding members, Betty Elliott, and her fellow worshippers.

"This is something they have always wanted to do because there is such a need in town." Karen said.

The church's first food distribution will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. It will be held every other Saturday at the church, located at 507 S. Oak Street.

The distribution will be on a first come, first serve basis. There will be a short form to complete. Income guidelines, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are quite lenient, according to Karen.

The food pantry will offer some perishable items as well as the regular non-perishable items. They have received a donated refrigerator and a couple of freezers which are stocked with perishable items.

"We want to get some meat, some dairy and some breads," Karen said. "I've talked to another gentleman to see if we can get some of that in here too."

Garden produce is something they would like to see, if any gardeners have an abundance they would like to share with others as well.

"We have got a fair amount of food just to get started," Karen said.

The food pantry is currently partnering with the Food Bank of the Heartland in addition to those who wish to donate. They are open to working with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to receive game meat from hunters who wish to donate.

There are about half a dozen volunteers that are working with the Paytons to assist with distribution.

Paper items and personal care products are needed at the pantry as well as bottled water, which does not expire.

Gently used clothing, particularly for children, will be accepted occasionally, as they prepare for winter.

"We want very gently used clothing," Karen added. "We don't want this to become a drop off for people to just leave their clothing."