Old Stone Church food pantry: serving local communities for 30 years

The Old Stone Church Food Pantry made their first distribution in June 1994. Thirty years later, they are continuing this important and great work of providing a necessary service to local communities, even reaching beyond the distribution of food.

The Old Stone Church Food Pantry is open on Thursdays from 9 until 11 a.m. at 101 E Union St, Rockton, IL.

Pantry director Donn VanSchelven reflects back to the pantry's beginning. “I wanted to do something positive for the community and started the pantry. There were several meetings with Stateline ministers that felt that a food pantry was needed.”

“In 1994 Stateline Ministries approached us and gave us 10 days to come up with $6, 000,” said VanSchelven. Friends and the community came through and the money was raised.

The week the pantry first opened, they served 14 families. It was open to families in Hononegah and South Beloit School Districts who needed an extra measure of help.

Residents in Rockton. Roscoe, Shirland, Harrison, South Beloit and Durand are welcome to come to the pantry.

During the pandemic, over 90 families a week visited the pantry. Today the pantry helps between 62-78 families per week.

Besides food and a gallon of milk, those who utilize the pantry are offered the option of medical and health advice. A registered nurse is on site each week, and the pantry assists in many emergency situations.

Behind it all is a team of 18 community volunteers who stock shelves, pack bags, and put food in vehicles. They keep the operation moving smoothly.

Some of the reasons the need is so great at the pantry are job loss, divorce, debt, pay cuts, low incomes, illness, or domestic abuse. Clients include single moms who are receiving no child support, might be working minimum wage jobs, and cannot pay the bills.

In Illinois, temporary workers who make minimum wage generally get no benefits. If employers keep them longer than 90 days, they usually have to pay them more. Those who live on a fixed income because of disability or other related struggles have to stretch limited funds. Some might be on the cusp of them losing their apartment or are unable to pay their electric bill.

The pantry works closely with Roscoe and Rockton Townships to assist residents in applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

In addition to regular weekly distribution, the pantry distributes Thanksgiving baskets each year. Generous donations have allowed families a full meal with turkey and ham as well as some delicious pies, dinner rolls, buttered sweet potatoes; enough food for a family to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner and food to assist them for the rest of the week. Christmastime is also made brighter with presents for needy children.

Another way that the pantry reaches out is through a backpack program, which has been ongoing since 2011. During the week, school districts offer free or reduced price meals. But children who may otherwise have no food on the weekends receive backpacks from the pantry, full of basic foods to take home with them.

National Honor Society students have been integral in helping with the backpack program.

“We have nothing to do with any government agency. We have several dozen resources who have been with us for all 30 years,” VanSchelven said.

Through the years various schools, churches, nonprofits and organizations, business leaders, foundations, businesses and the entire community have shown strong support by donating non-perishable items, giving financially, volunteering or supplying other needs such as services or toiletries. Food drives and special collections have also been conducted.

Originally, anyone receiving food had to be referred to the pantry and have a picture ID. There could be absolutely no signs of or the smell of being a smoker.

Now only a valid state identification card or driver’s license is required, along with proof of current residency.

Donations are always welcome and are greatly appreciated. Donors can contact VanSchelven to arrange someone to meet them at the church or can place items in two clean bins located outside of the church. All food items must be unexpired.

VanSchelven is always quick to express appreciation and thanks to everyone who has and continues to support the pantry and its mission.

If you're able, you're encouraged to help the Old Stone Church Food Pantry fill a basic human need, just as it has for the past 30 years.