Project Title 

The Journey Ministry Pantry 

Objective 

The mission of The Journey Ministry Pantry is to provide and serve healthy and nutritious food to those with food insecurities, so no one goes hungry. They also educate clients about nutrition and life skills in hopes it improves their lives and our communities as a whole and provides a welcoming environment filled with love and compassion. 

What We Will Do 

Food insecurity is defined as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food”. The Journey Ministry Pantry is designed to address food insecurities and raise awareness to the lack of resources to low income or poverty residents in Franklin County.  

In Franklin County,  

• 13.0% of the population lives below the poverty level (ACS, 2015-2019) 

• 16.0% of households receive SNAP benefits (ACS, 2015-2019) 

• 18.5% of children live in households that are food insecure (2019) 

Food insecurity can increase the risk of a variety of negative health outcomes and health disparities. Overall, the Journey Ministry Pantry is working to reduce household food insecurities by providing a stable stream of nutritious foods to families in Franklin County.  

Who Is Involved 

Franklin County Health Department 

The Journey Ministry Pantry Board Members 

Franklinton Community Garden 

When This Takes Place 

These services are ongoing. The pantry distributes food to Franklin County residents every Tuesday from 2:30 – 5:00 pm.  

How We Will Do It 

The Journey Ministry Pantry is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. It has created partnerships with local farmers, community gardens, and grocery stores to be able to provide fresh produce and meat in every box they distribute. The pantry is supported mostly by volunteers. They currently have about 14 volunteers who help prep the food boxes and prepare for distribution. They also have three drop-off donation sites where people can provide nonperishable food donations.  

Their first distribution took place on June 28th, 2022, in Youngsville, NC and has been occurring weekly since the start date.  

Results/Planned Measures of Impact 

Data will be collected monthly to assess the number of people that are receiving food pantry items each week. Individuals who qualify for receiving services at the pantry must show a photo ID and complete a short intake form when they arrive. The intake form helps collect information on who is using the services by asking for demographic data and household size.  

Discussion/Next Steps 

To date, the program has been established in Franklin County. Information about the program is advertised on social media and signs throughout Youngsville. The pantry hopes to expand their services by providing nutrition education, preparing premade meals to those who are unable to cook, and hosting specific outreach days where other agencies in the community can promote and provide their services.  

Sources 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Definitions of food security, https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/definitions-of-food-security/

Food Insecurity & Poverty Rates - U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year Estimate 2015-2019

Food Insecurity Children - https://ncchild.org/what-we-do/insights/data/2021county-data-cards/