- April 24, 2024
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Shopping at the Lifecoast Food Pantry is more of a "mom and pop" store experience, than the typical food pantry.
Shoppers, who have filled out the necessary paperwork, and qualify for assistance, find customer service is top priority, and that they will do their own shopping.
“This is the new direction food pantries are going,” said coordinator, Jim King.
Last fall, King and his wife, Shirlene Limb, realized there was a need for another pantry in Palm Coast, but wanted to do some research, before opening their doors.
“I toured other food pantries in Volusia and Flagler, to see what made sense, what was working, and what wasn't,” King said.
What he came up with was, grocery store style shopping, rather than the traditional practice of giving filled bags to clients.
“They are finding that much of the food ends up being thrown away,” King said. “It may have not met a dietary need. We provide healthy foods, and we are qualified by Second Harvest.”
The Lifecoast Church pantry is open by appointment only, and only one person shops at a time. While they discourage children coming along, there is a small waiting room with a TV if there is no other option.
Glistening wire shelves line three quarters of the wall space. Four freezers, filled with meats, and two refrigerators with dairy items, fill the remainder of the space. Each shelf has cards taped to them, indicating how many cans of vegetables, or boxes of cereal, the client can take, as they select the brand their family prefers, including gluten free foods.
The last shelf unit displays the newest addition to the pantry offerings - - sundries, including vitamins, diabetic test strips, toothpaste and soap.
Along with filling stomachs King and Limb want to fill some souls, and take time to know their shoppers, and provide a nurturing environment.
“If they are having trouble putting food on the table for their family, there are probably other things going on in their lives as well,” King said.
The group also has an attorney and social worker, available, for those who may need extra help, including replacing social security cards, or getting through government paperwork, for assistance.
They are hoping the appointment-only aspect will encourage those, who might be reluctant to ask for help, to reach out.
“Some people are working, but not making enough to support their families,” King said. “We can supplement that.”
The one thing King said they have an abundance of, are volunteers.
“We have become so efficient, that we have more volunteers than we have jobs for right now,” he said.
Bigger is not better in King's mind. Knowing that their current client base of 30 may grow, he is happy to help more, and content with every life they touch.
“We would rather serve fewer well, than many poorly,” he said.
Located in the Parkway Plaza, at 4882 Palm Coast Parkway, the pantry is in the back of the Fair Trade Cafe. For more information, call 330-509-0711.
