Path to the Pantry

 September 2026

Path to the Pantry: September Update

The Pantry began September with a full and busy schedule. I want to thank all our volunteers who keep the Pantry running each week. Their dedication and service are extraordinary.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our donors for their ongoing support throughout the month. Your contributions help sustain our mission of serving the community.

We extend a huge thank you to the Open Door Congregational Church for their very generous donation—such a wonderful blessing for our community. We also received a donation of meals from Meals on Wheels, which are deeply appreciated by the clients who receive them.

We are grateful for the many blessings we receive from our supporting churches: Peaceful Valley Church, Chattaroy Community Church, Church of Latter-Day Saints, Country Church of the Open Bible, Elk Community Church, Colbert Presbyterian Church, and St. Joseph’s Parish. This continued assistance allows the Pantry to continue providing essential services to our neighbors.

Our very own veteran, Jim Mullen, will be at the Pantry on the first Wednesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. to meet with veterans and help them navigate securing benefits. Stop by and say hello to Jim, or call him, 509-939-3707, to schedule an appointment. He is also available on Thursdays at New Hope Resource Center.

Our Pantry Garden continues to flourish, producing abundant fresh vegetables for our clients. We thank Garden Manager Chris and his wonderful team of volunteers that plant, weed, and harvest. The garden has produced over 2,000 pounds of vegetables.

The garden team entered their harvest in the Pend Oreille County Fair in Cusick, WA, earning 27 ribbons and a Purple Champion Ribbon for Best Celery. They also entered vegetables in the Clayton Community Fair, claiming 43 ribbons, including a Reserve Champion Ribbon for the most blue‑ribbon vegetables (33 total) and a Grand Champion Ribbon for an unusual cucumber. Thank you to Dee and Danielle for preparing and organizing the entries!

Make a note, mark your calendars, tell your neighbor, phone a friend:

·       The Winter Coat Distribution for clients of New Hope Resource Center will start October 8, 13, 15, 20 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm – call 509-467-2900 for more information.

·       Fall Festival with a Trunk and Treat will be held at Country Church of the Open Bible on Saturday Oct 31 from 11 am - 1 pm. Happy Halloween!

·       The Pantry will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. If you see a veteran, let them know how much we appreciate their service to our country.

·       The Pantry will also be closed Wednesday, November 25. Happy Thanksgiving!

·       Coming soon - information about Tom’s Turkey Drive.

·       On the County Website: https://www.spokanecounty.gov/1232/Housing-Community-Development, look for information of Identifying Services for Disaster Recovery Survey and Disaster Recovery Resources for the Oregon and Gray Rd fires. Another website to get information about the Oregon and Gray Rd fires is the https://srltrg.org. Or stop by the Pantry for information on how to access these two surveys.

Facebook: NCFPinElkWA    Website: www.northcountyfoodpantry.org