Food Pantry Ribbon Cutting and Tour

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Courtesy Photo

Volunteers at the Heritage Food Pantry organize the newly expanded space

Over 25 years ago, Heritage Baptist Church began providing bags of groceries for a few local families in need. Fast forward to 2020, and the Heritage Food Pantry is now distributing almost 45,000 pounds of food a year to an average of 315 people a month.

To accommodate the growing need, Heritage Baptist recently completed a construction expansion of its existing food pantry, more than doubling in size.

“In our 117-year history, food ministry has been a hallmark of Heritage Baptist,” said Pastor Scott Shelton. “Despite the fact that we live in one of the wealthiest areas in the country, 650,000 Maryland residents are considered ‘food insecure.’ This expansion will allow us to serve more clients, stay open for more hours and offer more items, such as diapers and other infant necessities.”

In celebration of this milestone, Heritage Baptist is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting and tour event on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:30 a.m. at the church (1740 Forest Drive, Annapolis). Special guests include Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley; Alderwoman Shelia Finlayson; Yekatit Bezooayehu, Regional Program Director of the Southern Maryland Food Bank; Susan Thomas, Executive Director, Anne Arundel County Food Bank; Angie Slattery, Member Relations/TEFAP Coordinator for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank; and Kevin Corradini, Manager, Giant Food, Edgewater.

During the event, special recognition will be made for the following people and groups who contributed to the build out of the Heritage Food Pantry:

The Maryland Food Bank provided a $12,000 grant

Anne Arundel County Food Bank provides fresh produce each week, along with bulk food and baby items on a monthly basis

Giant Foods in Edgewater contributed grocery carts and provides food on a weekly basis

The Carpetbagger and AM Remodeling of Annapolis helped with the flooring

Nick McQuillan, Heritage Baptist facilities manager

The Heritage Food Pantry Team

The Heritage Food Pantry is currently open every Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m., with expanded hours coming soon. If you would like more information about the food pantry and how you can help or volunteer, contact Pantry@HeritageBaptistAnnapolis.org or see the website at http://www.heritagebaptistannapolis.org/ministries/helpingthehungry.html