Pantry Spotlight

The Chardon Food Pantry located at Pilgrim Christian Church on Chardon Square was started in the 1970s by a Church member named Ida Spicl and was available by appointment only at that time.  Over time as the needs grew, so did the pantry size, but it is still referred to by many as Ida’s Cupboard.

Paul Hederstrom (pictured right) is the current chair of the Ida’s Cupboard Committee. Linda Bowyer, current pantry captain, has been involved with the Chardon pantry for about 4 years. A long-time friend who managed the pantry at that time asked Linda to substitute for another volunteer. Then he asked her to shop for the pantry when he was on vacation, so she gained experience in day-to-day operation of the pantry along with managing inventory, etc. Linda’s husband, Dan, joined her as a volunteer about a year and a half ago, and he now does most of the shopping and inventory control.  Besides donations and support from the Geauga Hunger Task Force, the pantry has received fresh vegetables from the Chardon Square community garden and hopes this will continue during the summer.One unique program at the pantry is the gift of Birthday bags to families; in honor of a Church member who turned 90, her family and friends donated cake mixes and frosting. Then the church youth  group and Girl Scouts designed and created birthday bags so families could celebrate with their children. Both Linda and her  husband believe that volunteering with the food pantry has been a  very satisfying and enlightening experience. While only a few years ago, they were unaware of its existence, they are now both honored and humbled to be able to offer their help and hope to others. Thank you to all who are assisting with this wonderful ministry!