The community food pantry at the Bloomfield First Baptist Church
 has a history dating back 25 years -- in which the pantry has grown and expanded its partnerships.

Currently, Nancy and John Cummings serve as food pantry coordinators,
 and their team consists of Sharon and Burt Terrell, Georgia and Greg Flinn, Alan and Janet Brown, and Jean and Jerry Boyer.

The pantry currently serves about 100 families per month, Cummings said.

"In 2010, (the pantry) distributed 3,127 bags to 781 different households,
 representing 2,406 individuals, of whom 987 were under 17 and 147 were over 60," she added.

The pantry's hours are Monday through Thursday 9 to 11:45 a.m., and Tuesday 5 to 7 p.m.

Families may shop once monthly -- with emergencies handled on an individual basis. 
Referral forms from other organizations or agencies are not necessary.

Shopping is by choice and families are given a list of what and how much they may receive,
 based on the number in a household," Cummings said.
 "The general rule is one and one-half bags per family member residing in the same household."

Families must reside in the following towns and/or zip codes: 
47424, ( Bloomfield, Calvertsville, Cincinnati, Doans, Elliston, Hashtown, Mineral,
 Park, Plummer, Ridgeport and Tulip), 47457 (Scotland), 47439 (Koleen),
 47449 (Newberry), 47453 (Owensburg, Dresden), 47522 (Crane) as well as others in need.

"Our focus is to feed those in hunger, the poor, the ill, those with children, and the elderly," Cummings noted.

There is no required proof of income, although patrons are asked to sign a 
statement regarding income due to USDA commodities they may receive.

She also reiterated that the food pantry is truly a collaboration of the community.

"Groups, individuals and area churches, including members of the
 Central Greene County Ministerial Association, generously support us," she said.

Several churches have also volunteered to provide specific items on a monthly basis.

The Bloomfield First Christian Church, Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, 
Faith Christian Church and Bloomfield First Baptist Church 
all donate specific items such as canned tuna, crackers, canned fruit and other staple items each month.

"There are other specific needs the food pantry has, 
and we would welcome churches or organizations to supply on a monthly basis these specific items," Cummings said.

The pantry also collaborates with Catholic Charities as well as partners with food pantries in the county.

"We partner with county food pantries, which have begun to meet several times a year, 
with the purposes of sharing resources and information, 
decreasing duplication of services and patrons, and seeking to better serve the needs of families in Greene County, 
while being good stewards of our resources," Cummings added.