VOLUNTEER SARAH SPAULDING FILLS A BAG WITH THE HUNDREDS OF POUNDS OF DONATED SWEET POTATOES FOR THE LORD’S PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION. GAZETTE PHOTO BY JILL BALLINGER F or many years, the Mariposa Revival Center’s food ministry has been feeding families

in Mariposa County. This year is no different except that the program is seeing a drastically increased need.

The current economic climate and other factors have apparently take a toll on Mariposa families, and The Lord’s Pantry has been there to fill the need for food.

“This ministry is the heart of Jesus,” MRC Pastor Henry Falany said as his volunteers prepared the giveaway bags and boxes last week. More than two dozen people worked feverishly to fill bags that would be distributed to the families in need.

And the families came. Falany said the pantry fed 180 families on Oct. 22. Over the past few months, the program has been able to distribute about four and a half tons of fresh fruits and vegetables and quality groceries each time.

GAZETTE PHOTO BY JILL BALLINGER BAGS AND BOXES OF FOOD AWAIT FAMILIES IN NEED AT THE MARIPOSA COUNTY PARK LAST WEEK. The number of families served is up. Before about a year ago, the pantry would distribute groceries to around 100 families at its giveaway each month. As the economy collapsed and unemployment rose, so did the need.

Now, the program is feeding between 160 and 180 families each “regular” month. The demand in November and December always rises. What used to be about 170 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas is now closer to 250.

Next month is the program’s big Thanksgiving distribution. In addition to the grocery give away, the Lord’s Pantry serves everyone hamburgers, hot dogs and beans. The same festive atmosphere takes place in December.

Next month’s distribution date is Nov. 19, and groceries will be handed out on Dec. 17. Both take place at 3 p.m. at the Mariposa Town Park.

In addition to feeding all those 180 families last week, the program was able to send a truck load of food to Manna House, the senior center, Ron Sexton’s jail ministry and The Road House. This has been going on for a number of months.

Tax deductible contributions to the program can be made in a variety of ways. Checks can be sent to Mariposa Revival Center, P.O. Box 1269, Mariposa. Donations can also be made through PayPal on the church’s Web site at www.MariposaRevivalCenter. com.

For more information about the food ministry or any activities of the church, interested parties can contact Henry or Grace Falany at 966- 5090.