Smithville First Christian Church began providing food for those in need in the mid-1980s and opened a food pantry with regular hours in 2004.  Today, the food pantry is open Tuesday mornings from 8:30 – 11:00, and if anyone needs food outside those hours, they can contact the church to make arrangements to meet a volunteer.  There is also Blessing Box outside the church that is available 24/7 for people to “Give What You Can”, or “Take What You Need”.

Because the food pantry operates only with local donations, participants are limited to those who live in Smithville, or within the Smithville School District, and participants are asked to provide proof of residency.   However, if someone visits from outside our area, we will provide them with food and refer them to a pantry closer to their home.

The food pantry is able to operate thanks to the support from the area businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals.  Paradise United Methodist Church, The Church of Good Shepherd, Mt. Olivet Christian Church and too many individuals to list, provide donations every month, and Mid-Continent Public Library donates food from their semiannual “Food for Fines” Program.  Eric Craig Real Estate Team and Eagle Heights Elementary School both host annual food drives prior to Christmas, and Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative has donated funds the past several years.  These donations allow us to deliver two cloth grocery bags of food to 85 families at Christmas, and serve people in our community throughout the year.

For more information about the food pantry, please email the church office at office@smithvillefirstchristian.org or call 816-532-0773.