The food pantry at Old South United Church of Christ in Kirtland has reopened — once again.
But if you ask pantry coordinator/director Bill Knox about it, he’ll break it down more accurately.
“We did not close at all,” he said, smiling. “We did a progressive expansion. We purposefully kept it open. The additions took a little bit of extra time. It was harder, but it was worth it. Now we have three times the space with a greater variety of food.”
Billed a “Choice Shopping Pantry,” which Knox describes as “more friendly and inviting,” the full-service operation now stocks dairy, eggs, meat and fish, along with canned and boxed goods, thanks to the addition of a refrigerator and freezer. Extra space for produce was specifically included, as was a larger waiting area for clients.
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The food at the pantry is provided through the donations from members of Old South Church, other local churches and organizations, and other generous individuals. The pantry is staffed by volunteers and is restocked every week.
Clients now also can select items as opposed to taking home grab bags of chosen items. Volunteers also bag items, if needed, and carry them to the parking lot.
With the expansion, the pantry has evolved into more of a professional store instead of a small closet, said volunteer Richard Knox.
“We’ve received letters after the fact expressing appreciation how comfortable and respected people feel after shopping,” he added. “They felt like it was just like going to the supermarket.
“At the end of the day, that’s what we pride ourselves on, making shoppers feel comfortable, respected and empowered. Our goal is to just do that. We see a lot of happiness and contentment.”
Old South Church Food Pantry has served the community for more than 35 years, starting in a small room staffed with two volunteers. Fifteen years ago, a room was built in the church’s basement, with the pantry serving about 300 people a year.
Three years ago, the pantry joined the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, where most of the food is bought. The pantry now serves over 3,500 people a year. With its expansion and extended services, Old South Church “Choice Shopping Pantry” expects to serve over 4,500 people.
“What amazes me,” Bill Knox said, “is our clients taking what they need, way less than the limit allows. That’s sometimes a big misconception with our pantry, that people abuse it. We haven’t seen any sign of abusing the situation or trying to scam by taking more than what they need.
“I see some wonderful people come in the door in desperate for food because they’re out of food or on a fixed income. Only 30 percent of our clientele has been here twice a year, although we have our regulars. And it feels good helping in this capacity.”
Old South Church “Choice Shopping Pantry” also participates and learns, according to Bill Knox, with other food pantries, including St. Andrew (Episcopal Church) in Mentor; McKinley (Community Outreach Center) in Willoughby; and St. Gabriel’s in Concord Township.
“We’ve learned from all them,” he said. “They all do a wonderful job. We all have a common mission.”
Invaluable contributions, other than donations, are food drives, and Knox recognizes the fact that more is always needed, especially with an expanded operation.
But he isn’t alone.
Chad VanArnhem, principal at Kirtland Elementary School, said after meeting with student council, students will be organizing a food drive the last week of school to contribute to Old South Church “Choice Shopping Pantry.”
In addition to school systems, even before its expansion, the pantry has benefited from the generosity of multiple countywide organizations and institutions, including United Way of Lake County and the United States Postal Service.
“The drives have been spectacular,” Knox said. “We really appreciate the support.”
Eventually, the coordinator/director would like the pantry to branch out even further, hoping to grow the operation to the point of offering hot meal programs and food delivery.
“We’re always interested in fulfilling a need,” Knox said. “We’re always looking for additional volunteers and support. This will allow us to continue to serve more and more people.”
Old South United Church of Christ is located at 9802 Chillicothe Road. Pantry hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome. No appointment is necessary, but identification is required.
Contact Bill Knox (wknox@magnif.com) or call 440-256-3329 for more information.
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