Garretson's Ministry of the Stomach

In October of 2006 a Koinonia group from New Life Celebration Church spent some of their $250 “Pay It Forward Money” to establish a Food Pantry in Garretson. Dan Cook leader of the group ran newspaper ads, did a collection and set up the small amount of food items on a table in the Jesse James Opera House. It was a little slow at first but since August of 2007 this concept has really taken off in the community. The reason-prayer! This food pantry is always on prayer requests and is prayed for by the “Prayer Warriors” The local churches are donating their food to Garretson now instead of taking them to Sioux Falls.  We have received over $2,000 in financial donations to purchase food.  This money has come from local churches, businesses and private citizens.  A $200 donation came from a party in Washington State.  He grew up in Garretson, saw the article and wanted to help.  To date we have helped over 35 different families.  On April 1, 2008 we moved into a building on Main Street Garretson-Amen!  No more steps, back door and across the alley from the store who delivers our purchased food.  We were awarded a grant of $1,900 to purchase a new freezer, refrigerator, shelves and pay for one month rent.  Our rent is $150 a month and we have over $1,300 (in addition to the $2,000) in our savings account that has been donated to take care of the rent.  Food and money have been appearing from every where.  A lot like the 5 loaves-we just keep feeding them.  Kris Frerk from Garretson who is a member of New Life Celebration has been leading the efforts. She is now coordinating with all the churches to gain help and each church has been given a key. Kris was asked to speak to a church in Jasper, MM to give them advice about starting a food pantry. She was also contacted by a citizen in Brandon, SD who wanted advice about starting a food pantry in Brandon.

We are very small in numbers, but I feel that we have jump-started the community to become more aware of the needs of local citizens.