Alpha & Omega began the State Park Food Pantry in 1989 to help people in State Park struggling to feed their families on incomes far below the poverty level. A few years ago, the leadership began to sense that God wanted us to “stretch out our tent pegs” and include the needy of neighboring Fairmont City. We now serve residents of both communities, and the Lord has met the increased ministry needs with both food and dedicated volunteers. The Food Pantry is open for food distribution on Monday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

We usually serve more than 20 families a week, and qualifying residents may come once a month to receive food.   We also offer them the opportunity to join  us for a brief teaching on a Biblical principle and prayer, and most accept the invitation. In addition, clients feel free to request prayer for specific personal needs as volunteers “shop” with them for their food.

Through the years we have seen the lives of many people change as they have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ. We belong to Operation Food Search, a Second Harvest distribution center based in University City, Missouri , and the St. Louis Area Food Bank in Earth City, and volunteers regularly pick up food from those and other sources.

The pantry is also stocked by food donations from businesses, community service organizations, church groups and private citizens. We also receive grants from Madison County Community Development to purchase and distribute food to our Madison County clients.

We consistently see God move in amazing ways to bring in needed food and resources as we follow the Biblical command to feed the hungry.  God is faithful, and as we constantly say, “if you want to see God move, volunteer in a food pantry!”

Volunteers carry food out for a client.  Note the hardworking volunteer second from right who is laboring under the weight of a bag of cheese snacks.  We do have a good time while we work!