Wesley Church Food Pantry
How do we serve
We are a distribution site for the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Using grant money from charitable organizations and donations from members and nonmembers we purchase food from the Food Bank. The food is distributed in the fellowship hall, but lines form in the parking lot.
Whom do we serve
We serve individuals and households who reside in the 78411 and 78415 Zip Codes. The Food Bank now requires us to use their standard application process. We request the applicant's name, address, number in household, and whether anyone in the household receives other aid such as food stamps, free school meals, or Medicaid. We sometimes need to ask monthly income if another benefit does not automatically qualify the applicant. We also ask for information on age groups and ethnicity. Every new applicant will receive a bag regardless of their home zip code. We will serve homeless persons.
How often do we serve
Generally we limit our clients to one bag of food per month. However, we distribute free food such as bread, pastries, and other items every Tuesday and Wednesday of each week from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Clients both in our service area and out of area my come weekly for the free items.
Verification of Zip Codes
Clients may certainly prove their residence in the two zip codes we serve with an ID card such as a drivers license. However, they may also submit a utility bill, insurance card, or any official correspondence showing their address. Verification need only be done once. First time clients lacking proof of address will be served, but requested to bring verification if they return next month. We will serve homeless clients.
Volunteers staff the food pantry
Everyone who works at the Wesley United Methodist Church Food Pantry is an unpaid volunteer with the exception of Pastor Joseph Tobias. There is a team inside preparing the bags that other workers distribute. The Photo Gallery which follows shows some of these servants.