Lyndsay Fogarty
Matthew’s Hope Ministries is calling on the community to help restock its food pantry in time for the summer rush. An influx of requests for help have quickly left the shelves nearly bare.
Since 2010, the nonprofit organization has worked to successfully move people from homelessness to a life of independence and self-sustainability. This is done through a variety of assistance options, programs and resources. Its mission comes directly from the Bible, specifically Matthew 25:35-40.
Based in Winter Garden, volunteers connect Matthew’s Hope guests with the resources and services they need to get back on their feet. They also offer showers, haircuts, clothing, shoes, bikes, hygiene products and so much more.
What is the Garden of Eatin’ Food Pantry at Matthew’s Hope?
The Matthew’s Hope food pantry serves the most basic food needs of every guest who arrives between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for Tuesday Outreach Services Day each week. Guests are provided with $5 in Matthew’s Hope “money” to spend in the pantry. However, if they need more, they can participate in various work opportunities through the Moving Forward Program.
The Matthew’s Hope Food Pantry’s Biggest Needs
Matthew’s Hope has seen a 21% jump in the number of people served in the past eight weeks. Additionally, they have welcomed 77 new individuals on top of the 300 to 400 people that are served on a regular basis. Many are the working homeless who can’t find affordable housing and aren’t paid a high enough wage (or provided the work hours needed) to support themselves and their families.
The shelves of the food, hygiene and clothing pantries are beginning to look a bit bare, and the summer rush hasn’t even begun. So help is needed to restock so the organization can continue providing assistance for those in need.
These are some of the most needed food items:
Vienna Sausages
SPAM
Chicken (canned
Ham (canned)
Pastas (canned)
Fruits (canned)
Chili
Ramen Noodles
Spinach
Peas
Baked Beans
Potatoes
How You Can Help
Consider participating in a BOGO (buy one meal for your family while feeding one Matthew’s Hope family). Other options include providing a monetary donation or organizing a food drive with your church, school, office, civic group or neighborhood. Every contribution makes a difference to individuals and families who have found themselves homeless right here in our community.
Donations can be delivered to Matthew’s Hope at 611 Business Park Boulevard, Suite 101, located just off of Story Road in Winter Garden. You can also order using AmazonSmile.com, name Matthew’s Hope Ministries as your charity and the organization will receive your donation.
For more information, call 407.905.9500 or email Scott.Billue@gmail.com
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