Located at 321 5th Street in Milford, Pennsylvania, the Ecumenical Food Pantry of Pike County is a nonprofit organization that has served the community continuously since 1991. Founded by parishioners of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the pantry remains a self-sustaining ministry of the church. We provide supplemental and emergency groceries and toiletries to Pike County residents facing food insecurity. As a ministry of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the pantry operates under the church’s 501(c)(3) designation. Donations support essential operating expenses, including recycling pickup, the purchase of nutritious food and shelf stable groceries, the purchase and maintenance of refrigerators, freezers, and other equipment. The pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open on Fridays from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. In addition to our weekly distributions, we offer enhanced food packages at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, including holiday meal staples such as turkeys, hams, and festive groceries. Since its founding, the Ecumenical Food Pantry has served as the principal source of supplemental food for families in need in Pike County. Many of our clients are working individuals and families holding part-time, temporary, or full-time employment whose incomes fall below, at, or just above the poverty line. Food provided includes shelf-stable groceries such as pasta, rice, soup, and canned vegetables, as well as fresh items including meat or poultry, produce, eggs, and milk. Much of our canned and dried food is supplied through local food drives, regular donations from Walmart, Market 32 by Price Chopper, other local grocery stores, and the State Food Purchase Program. When necessary, we purchase additional shelf-stable items. One of our largest expenses is fresh food—particularly milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. We also purchase meat and other proteins when donations fall short. The pantry is a partner agency with 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA, and is also a proud member of the Feeding America network, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, ensuring reliable and dignified support for neighbors in need. Food insecurity affects individuals experiencing poverty, unemployment or underemployment, chronic illness or disability, and families living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. Eligibility guidelines generally align with SNAP income standards (185% of the federal poverty level) and are administered with flexibility and compassion. While SNAP benefits provide critical assistance, they do not fully cover the cost of food, creating a meal gap that is especially severe in rural communities where transportation costs increase food prices.
