FOCUS ON FAITH

Bunnell churches and Rotary Clubs expand local food pantry

New storage shed boosts capacity, allowing Care Cupboard to serve nearly 200 more Flagler County residents each week.


The shed's ribbon cutting was held on November 12, only 11 days after the delivery. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
The shed's ribbon cutting was held on November 12, only 11 days after the delivery. Photo courtesy of Cindy Dalecki
  • Palm Coast Observer
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A faith-driven partnership is strengthening the fight against hunger in Flagler County as the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, its Bunnell Satellite Club, and the Care Cupboard Food Pantry — housed at the United Methodist Church in Bunnell — come together to expand the pantry’s ability to serve the community.

Supported by a $5,180 collaborative grant, the project has resulted in the installation of a new 10-by-15-foot outdoor storage shed at the Care Cupboard Food Pantry located at 205 N. Pine Street. Funded equally by the two Rotary clubs, Rotary District 6970, and the Rotary Foundation, the shed increases the pantry’s capacity to store donated food and meet growing community needs.

Delivered on Nov. 1 and dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 12, the shed symbolizes a shared mission rooted in service. On Nov. 16, the First Baptist Christian Academy of Palm Coast boys’ soccer team contributed their time and energy by landscaping around the new structure—a reflection of the spirit of youth ministry and service active in local churches.

Operated every Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Bunnell, the Care Cupboard Food Pantry relies heavily on the support of congregations, volunteers, and community organizations. The new storage space has expanded the pantry’s indoor capacity by 27%, enabling it to serve 1,495 people weekly—an increase of 195 individuals from previous numbers. Among those served are 375 children.

“This partnership exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to addressing basic human needs in our community,” said Bob Snyder, president of the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. “By working together with our Bunnell Satellite Club and the Care Cupboard, we're creating a sustainable solution that will help feed 195 additional community members each week.”

Sandra Shank of the Bunnell Satellite Club emphasized the heart behind the effort. “This project serves as our club’s first tangible project,” she said. “This grant represents our shared commitment to ensuring no family in our community goes hungry.”

Church leaders and volunteers say the expansion will help them continue living out their mission of compassion, stewardship, and service—especially as more families turn to the church for support during difficult times.

Those interested in joining the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, or in serving the community through faith-based outreach, can learn more at www.flaglerbeachrotary.org.

 

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