Feeding the Community: Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry's Quest for a Permanent Home

The Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry in Davis, West Virginia, has been a vital lifeline for the community, providing essential food assistance to hundreds of households in Tucker County. However, the organization's search for a permanent location has been a challenging journey, marked by bureaucratic hurdles and the need to secure matching funds for a crucial grant. This article delves into the Food Pantry's mission, its growth, and the obstacles it faces in establishing a new, purpose-built facility to better serve the community.

Empowering the Underserved: Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry's Unwavering Commitment

Expanding Reach, Increasing Impact

Veronica Staron, a long-time representative of the Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry, has witnessed the organization's remarkable growth over the past two decades. What started as a small operation serving 8 to 10 people has now blossomed into a vital resource for 85 to 96 households in the region. This expansion reflects the growing need for food assistance in the community, as Staron explains, "In the last 20 years, we have gone from eight to 10 people to now 85 to 96 households." The Food Pantry's client roster has also grown significantly, with Staron noting that they now serve approximately 175 households, as "not everybody comes every month."

Providing Comprehensive Assistance

The Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry's commitment to its clients extends beyond simply providing food. Staron emphasizes the importance of ensuring that each household receives a well-rounded selection of non-perishable items and meats, stating, "We give them three bags of non-perishables and one bag of perishables being meat. We make sure they have four kinds of meat when they leave us, even if one of the meats is canned tuna or canned beef stew so they get some protein because if you live without any money, you can't buy meat the way it is." This comprehensive approach aims to address the diverse nutritional needs of the community, recognizing that access to protein-rich foods can be a significant challenge for those facing financial hardship.

Navigating Income Thresholds

The Food Pantry's client base encompasses a wide range of income levels, from as little as 0 per month to the income limit of ,200 per month. Staron acknowledges the difficulty many families face in stretching their limited resources, stating, "We have people that present me with their income from 0 a month, that they have to pay gas, food, heat, utilities, maybe insurance and medicine so they cannot stretch that money very far." While the Food Pantry adheres to income guidelines, Staron strives to be flexible, understanding the unique circumstances of each household. "I'm not really tight on that other 2200," she says. "How many people on the mountain do you know that makes 00 a month? If you got 0, it doesn't go very far."

Dedicated Volunteers: The Backbone of the Pantry

The Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry's operations are fueled by the tireless efforts of its volunteers. During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the organization had 222 volunteers who contributed between 2 to 3 hours per day, equating to an estimated ,000 in labor costs if they had been paid. These volunteers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from picking up and delivering food to packing and distributing the supplies. Staron describes the bustling warehouse as a "butt bumping" environment, where the dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the community's needs are met.

Navigating Relocation and Funding Challenges

The Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry has faced numerous challenges in its quest for a permanent home. Over the years, the organization has been forced to relocate multiple times, a situation that has prompted the staff and volunteers to take action. "Now that we are being evicted again, the staff, those 25 people that work so hard said, 'Enough of this, we're going to put up a building,'" Staron recounts. After a lengthy search, the Food Pantry secured a lease for a third of an acre next to the Thomas Catholic Cemetery, providing a new location for their operations.However, the path to establishing a permanent facility has not been without its obstacles. The Food Pantry has secured a 2,000 grant, but the funds are currently on hold pending further investigation and documentation of the site. Staron expresses her frustration with the bureaucratic hoops the organization must jump through, stating, "Yes, the 2,000 will help us, but when you stop to think of it, architect's fee and an environmentalist's fee and we can't get away from it because if we want the 2,000 we have to jump through all these stupid hoops."

Balancing Donations and Construction Costs

The Food Pantry's reliance on donations has also been impacted by the need to fund the construction of the new building. Staron explains, "The donations that now come in have to be designated to either food or construction." This delicate balancing act ensures that the organization can continue to provide essential food assistance while also securing the resources necessary to establish a permanent home.Despite the challenges, the Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry remains steadfast in its mission to serve the community. The new building, designed to be 30 by 50 feet with a total of 1500 square feet, is expected to double the size of the current location and include a drive-through service, a small kitchen, and a bathroom for the volunteers. Construction is slated to begin in August and is anticipated to be completed by the end of October, well ahead of the deadline to vacate their current premises by the end of the year.

Fostering Community Partnerships and Support

The Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry's efforts have not gone unnoticed by the local community. Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau expressed his gratitude for the organization's work, stating, "Thank you for all you do for our county. We're blessed...I think we are blessed in our county. It is people helping people." This recognition underscores the vital role the Food Pantry plays in supporting the well-being of Tucker County residents.As the Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry continues its journey to establish a permanent home, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the community. Through the generosity of donors and the tireless efforts of its volunteers, the Food Pantry is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring that no one in Tucker County goes without the nourishment they need to thrive.