MINOT – On this distribution day at The Lord’s Cupboard food pantry the parking lot was filled with vehicles of all types. Some people were walking across the parking lot to the front entry of the pantry. Others were returning to their vehicles with a box overflowing with food items. Still another was seated on a small cooler, rapidly devouring some fruit just received from the Lord’s Cupboard.
“Most people in Minot do not realize the hunger needs in the city,” said Gerald Roise, The Lord’s Cupboard. “It’s the most rewarding thing that we can do. It’s just fabulous to be able to see the satisfaction in their eyes to have the food to home and feed their families. The appreciation from the clients is phenomenal.”
Reliable and dedicated volunteers staff the pantry, efficiently handling the considerable number of people using the facility. In all, about 400 families per week use the services of The Lord’s Cupboard.
“We always have 10 to 12 new families every day and have about that many dropping out that no longer need our services,” said Roise.
Inside the pantry two small children were smiling and happy, pulling on their mother’s arm in the hope of seeing what was in the food box on the counter above them. Nearby the distribution of food was remarkably orderly as people carefully chose their items, understanding that others in need were waiting to do the same.
“I’m so glad I’m in Minot, North Dakota because people care about people and we take care of people,” remarked Duane Brekke, volunteer.
Brekke owns land on which The Lord’s Cupboard has several raised gardens that yield a bountiful harvest of vegetables every year. Volunteers care for the gardens, from planting through maturity, with the fresh produce going directly to the food pantry where it is distributed to families in need.
“The volunteers are really passionate about making a difference,” said Roise. “Everyone knows that the end result is that families are fed in Minot. That’s the name of the game.”
The Lord’s Cupboard food pantry is located at 1725 Burdick Expressway West. Further information can be found at thelordscuipboardfoodpantry.com.
