by Lacy Gross/Jefferson Jimplecute
This is the first in a series of five stories about all five food pantries that serve Marion County.
Kitty Rose, a single retiree living on a fixed income, discovered the food pantry at Blessings of Grace in Jefferson six months ago–at a time when she was struggling to budget for food. Buying groceries on clearance still amounted to more than she could afford. Thanks to the program which is funded by several local churches, private citizens, and grants, Blessings of Grace is helping Kitty and many like her manage their food costs.
“I don’t have to go to the grocery store that much anymore because I get everything I need right here and this supplies me with everything I need to live…to eat,” Rose said, “This takes a community pulling together to do this and it helps us tremendously.”
Serving those in need in Marion County for more than a decade, Blessings of Grace allows one monthly visit, but seniors can enroll in a monthly box program and free hot lunches. Produce is distributed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and are open to anyone regardless of need.
Elizabeth Opiela, the organization’s chairperson, said it received more than 1,300 pounds of food last Tuesday for distribution. Though not all was distributed, all meats and eggs will be included in their monthly pantry box.
“We have six freezers in which meat is stored according to date received. We have two commercial merchandisers for refrigeration storage. Our pantry room has multiple shelving units for dry goods. This is where the bags are filled for the monthly pantry.”
Opiela graciously added that the local Rotary club has helped their organization by coming in and packing 100 bags for the upcoming month.
“They get that done very quickly!”
“We have monthly pantry on the first and fourth Wednesdays in the evening and the third Saturday in the morning. Pantries are staffed with volunteers from the local churches, Methodist, SDA and Catholic, respectively. The Episcopal Church staffs the Thursday morning produce events. We are truly a community effort staffed entirely by volunteers.”
Opiela said that while food acquired from East Texas Food Bank is “very low cost,” it is not free citing the various expenses incurred to facilitate distribution to the public.
“The driver is not paid to pick up, but we do reimburse his gas expenses… there is plenty of paperwork, so we have a bit of clerical expense,” Opiela continued, “We are fortunate that our landlords, East Texas Community Services rents to us at a very reasonable rate. I try to be mindful of these costs.”
Additionally, Blessings of Grace operates a “Backpack” program during the school year in which they pack 100 bags of food for selected children to take home on the weekends—those who would otherwise not have food until their return to school.
Opiela encourages anyone interested in volunteering or making donations to contact 903-742-9710 and for those who are looking for food in Marion County to call 211.