Country Zest & Style | Autumn 2020 Edition

Grace Food Bank Also Feeds the Soul

Volunteer Hope Laingen at Peas and Grace Food Bank

Photo by Carina Elgin

By Carina Elgin

Since his arrival in 2017, the Rev. Weston Matthews, through actions and attitude, has worked to make Grace Church, the beautiful stone building on Main Street in The Plains, a true community center that is “Open to All.”

Sadly, because of the current pandemic, the big red doors mostly have been closed, and the many community programs offered have been interrupted. But as hungry families and the recently unemployed needed food to get through, the people of Grace and nearby communities made sure the Peas and Grace food pantry outreach ministry was prepared to help.

Volunteer Hope Laingen moved to Marshall in early 2020, discovered Grace Church and jumped into its programs with enthusiasm, including helping with the food bank on Tuesdays.

“Nobody leaves just giving or just receiving,” she said. “Everyone feels good and passes on that sense of peace, dignity and acceptance, whether they were volunteering or picking up food.”

The public health crisis has increased the number of people in need, and has also changed the way the pantry operates. To protect volunteers, staff and visitors, the pantry is now open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers prepare shopping bags with food in advance and bring them outside to clients.

Rick and Darlene Miller, from The Plains, give up their Saturdays to help out, feeling strongly the pantry had to be available on the weekend.

While socially distanced and masked, volunteers and pantry recipients have gotten to know each other. One appreciative regular patron said, “it’s sad that this is needed, but it’s a blessing they’re here.”

According to Micah Earle, director of the Grace Montessori School and a pantry volunteer, “As with all we do at Grace, all are always welcome. People feel it’s a safe place to come.”

Laingen added that asking for help is hard, but that people benefit from giving and receiving.

“One lady was very uncomfortable asking for help because she said she had never needed it before,” Laingen said. “She asked if we could use eggs, so now when she comes to get her food, she brings us eggs to distribute to others.”

Several patrons also pick up food for other needy recipients. One woman was delivering food to a single mother friend with three children, so that the chain of giving continues.

Earle said some pantry supporters randomly stop by to give money or donate a carload of groceries. As volunteers learn what people request, they compile a list of suggested staples. They also shop with donated money to be sure needs are met, often including more paper products and child-friendly snacks.

Fresh produce often comes from nearby Roland Farm. C and S Farmsteads, a small commercial grower new to The Plains, also brings seasonal vegetables. Recent offerings included kale, micro greens, salads and carrots.

Peas and Grace also offers cat and dog food. Laingen knew there was a need, but said she felt awkward asking for donations for pets when humans were going hungry.

“The very next day, Middleburg Humane contacted us to see if we could use pet food, because they get so many donations,” she said. “They are very faithful in checking with us every week to see if we need more.”

As Rev. Matthews has watched the growing need for food in the community, he also has seen generosity expand. People have sent in money, specifically for the food bank, gifts are being brought to the church, and some large outreach donations have come in online.

One donor said that many years ago, his children had received scholarships from Grace, and he was now able to give back this way. In giving and in receiving, everyone benefits.

The Peas & Grace outreach ministry welcomes donations of food or money. Mail checks to Grace (PO Box 32, The Plains VA 20198) or go online at www. gracetheplains.org.