

	Sharing the Necessities of Life With a Food Pantry Ministry

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So You Want to Start a Food Pantry Charity Ministry!

The apostle Paul said: "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth love of God in him?" 1 John 3:17KJV

We give God the glory for anyone wanting to take a step that blesses others, materially, physically, and spiritually.

Our goal is to encourage the churches in this country to take back the things that we gave to the world to handle. A church doesn't have to be large in number for this to work. It first is a commandment to us that we feed and clothe along with feeding the spiritually hungry.

I don't know how many people you have in the church, but start there. Get a few metal cabenets for boxed goods (so the mice can't eat the food). Ask the church folks to bring at least two (2) items of food (non-parishables) each time they come to church. Keep a list of what comes in, not who brings it. Show them the scripture in 1 John 3:17: "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth love of God in him?" KJV. Use your Bible though, it means the same. We give our love so God will show us love. In this way, if someone needs something, ask them what they are in need of and pull from the food pantry. God will bless the church.

!!!Remember To Keep Records!!! List what comes in, what goes out, and who it goes to. Some people are lifetime beggers. There is a point when to say "No, not this time". Do not feel guilty! Set a limit - One time per month, or two times a month. This charity is not for lifetime beggers; neither is it for people who spend all their government check on drugs and alcohol. It is for families and individuals that comes up short once and a while. If your church has a visitation ministry, or if one of the ministers is going to visit a person who is in need, take from the food pantry.

There are government food warehouses that churches and other outreach ministries and missions can receive food from. You may find one close to you. Fill out the paperwork and follow their guidelines, and they will give you government food items for your pantry. Sometimes certian foods will cost but this is minimal. The government facility will regulate who you give it to and how much. That is the catch!

If your church doesn't already have a 501-c-3 status, it may be time to apply for such. This status is given by the IRS after completing the required forms and entitles your church to be recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization. Any church is already exempt from certian tax liability, but if donations are over a certian amount, and if records are not kept properly, you may never be approved for a 501-c-3 status.

You may consider starting a food pantry charity ministry and not be connected with a church. In such case there are a few things to think about

First, two heads are better then one. Bring someone on board with you that has the same passion for people as you do. Look into possibly creating a non-profit organization in your state. This can be listed in the state registry as a non-profit corperation. Now you are incorperated as a non-profit organization and you will need to have at least three people on your corperation board. Now you will create a list of by-laws, strick guidelines to go by in your daily operations. You do not need a 501-c-3 if this is under a church, but you will need to have this status if you are not under a church.

Many food pantry ministries have thrift stores that sell used items and clothing at a reduced price to offset the cost of the food pantry. In such case, clothes can be given free to those who are in need. A clothes closet can easily be incorperated into the outreach ministry you have started.

Now you may ask "What's the cost?" We can't give figures of cost, but do keep in mind these things:
(1)You need a building: It can be a room in your church. But it easily be a rented warehouse space. There is a cost to rent.
(2)Utilities: Electric and water bills will need paid. If you heat with gas that is a cost, too.
(3)You may be required to pay for city permits, or taxes. Before you hang a sign, check the city codes on signs and pay what fees are required for having a sign.
(4)There may be other cost, such as fees for incorperating. Check at all city, local, and state offices governning non-profit businesses before getting started.