In 2008, Haven United Methodist Church in Jerome Arizona started a food pantry for families in need in the Verde Valley. What started out as a small endeavor has grown tremendously and the number of families coming to the food pantry has also grown immensely. Thanks to the generous donations from people not only from our church congregation, but also from the citizens of Jerome, we are able to offer families a multitude of products: canned and packaged food, paper goods, hygiene products and most recently frozen foods. In addition we have gently used clothing items available.
None of this would be possible without the tireless support and coordination of Patty Bell. Patty has been a member of Haven United Methodist Church for many years and volunteers her time to accompany our songs on the piano during every Sunday service. She is a very talented musician and we are so blessed to have her. She then volunteers numerous hours weekly to keep our food pantry stocked and organized. When there are not enough donations for the week, Patty will shop using the cash donations we receive from generous donors. The food pantry is open to the public every Thursday morning at 9:00 am until around noon. Pastor Vicki Lerdahl is available during that time to counsel people in need and to oversee the distribution of items from the food pantry.
We also use our food pantry to create food baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter for deserving families in Jerome. Last Christmas, we were able to prepare baskets for six families to try to do our part during these trying economic times.
We are always looking for donations to help keep this food pantry viable. Donations of cash, non-perishable foods, paper and hygiene products are always appreciated as are donations of gently used clothing, microwaves, toasters, and such. Hygiene products and toilet paper are high demand items. If you would like any information about our food pantry you can call the church office at 928 639-3871. Office hours are Thursday from 9:00 am to noon.