Food pantry at St. Peter’s seeks donations to meet increasing need

MEDINA – An increase in need and decline in donations has prompted Medina’s Emergency Food Pantry at St. Lutheran Church to embark on a community-wide fund appeal.

According to Jim Hancock, who has been involved with the food pantry since its inception in 1982, the number of people they are serving is increasing greatly, while donations are declining.

“The amount of food we are having to buy is depleting our reserves,” Hancock said. “We are spending $600 to $700 a month purchasing food.”

While he said they do receive a lot of donations from places like the library, school and postal workers, they still have a great need for cereal, pasta and spaghetti sauce.

“These things are not being received in the quantity we need,” Hancock said.  “If we don’t get help, it won’t be long until our resources will be depleted.”

In 2024, the Emergency Food Pantry served 898 adults, 343 seniors and 374 children, for a total of 1,615 individuals.

This represents an increase of 15% over the previous year, Hancock said. To receive food from the pantry, people must reside within the 14103 zip code area. There is no income criteria, however, an individual may only receive food from the pantry once a month.

Monetary donations may be sent to St. Peter’s Emergency Food Pantry, 1355 West Ave., Medina, 14103. Checks or donations of food may be brought to St. Peter’s when the food pantry is open, from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or dropped off at sites, such as the library, or food drives conducted by organizations like the library and schools.

They are sending letters to groups and organizations asking for financial donations.