Martinsburg Food Pantry Continues To Help Those in Need

People who needed help for some food would go to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Martinsburg to get a voucher, which could be redeemed for groceries. The police took donations of food, and citizens who needed some help went to the police station to pick up their share. This is the history of the origin of the Martinsburg Food Pantry.

The Morrisons Cove Herald ran a pay it forward contest of $500 to someone who could benefit the community.

Linda Smith said she "felt God was calling me to do this (start a food pantry). I felt that there was a need in the community."

She was awarded the $500 and used it to buy shelves from the Roaring Spring Department Store to furnish the pantry. The borough originally donated space to house the pantry in the old borough building at 133 East Allegheny Street in Martinsburg. When attorneys Haberstroh, Sullivan and George bought the building they continued to donate the space. Volunteers from area churches helped to set it up and continue helping on a monthly basis.

The food pantry is open from 9 to 11 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Other times can be arranged by appointment. Anybody who has a need and lives in the 16662 zip code can bring their ID and get food and some other supplies.

The shelves are stocked with food donated by area churches and businesses. Seasonal produce is donated from farms and gardens. Smith said the community is very generous in their giving.

The food pantry has canned goods, milk eggs, meat, snacks, bread, pastries, personal products, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper and seasonal produce.