The food pantry at New Day Ministries Outreach Center is designed to help people in need.
“We started the outreach center about three years ago.” Pastor Ted Thomas said. “We average feeding about 20,000 people a year. Plus we have a store that helps keep the pantry running. The food pantry is open every second and fourth Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon.”
The donation center is available to anyone who needs help.
“Eighty percent of the people we serve are 60 and above.” Thomas said. “We have senior citizens who have to choose between their meds and food. They often choose their meds and go without food. We have guidelines, but we are here to help if someone is in need.”
The thrift store has a wide variety of items at low-cost prices which helps support the ministry.
“(Outreach Center is) self-supported.” Thomas said. “We resell everything that comes in. The proceeds helps offset expenses. We have some local donors that help support the ministry and local farmers give us produce. We (also) have a farmers market the last Tuesday of every month from July through October. All they need to do is bring their ID and they can get food.”
The center has clients from seven counties.
“We have people who come from all over to see what the store has to offer,” Thomas said. “They come from Marion, Morrow, Crawford, Wyandot, Richland, Seneca and Hancock counties. We have people who set up booths and the vendors donate a portion of what they make to the store.”
The center is always in need of donations.
“We send out the food we get,” Thomas said. “We are open for donations, food and canned goods. They bring people in who need job experiences and they help out. We had a guy paint the whole store inside. You never know who you need our who God puts in your life to help you.”
