St. Stephen the Martyr Food Pantry
Why a Food Pantry: One of the greatest gifts we are able to provide to families in need is the gift of food. St. Stephen’s Food Pantry is stocked by the generous contributions of our parishioners. The food is distributed to those in need by a group of volunteers whose mission is to distribute food from the pantry when and where it is needed. Our parish mission statement directs our commitment to “serving those who are hungry and less fortunate”. Some causes of food insecurity include poverty, unemployment, or low income.
Who We Help: Our pantry is open to individuals within our parish and the greater Omaha area who are experiencing food insecurity.
Parish Mission: St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church is a community for ALL to encounter Christ, know Christ, and proclaim Christ. Here, everyone encounters Christ through our friendly staff and volunteers, know Christ through the generosity of our parish family, and proclaim Christ through their appreciation and thankfulness for the gift of food.
Here at St. Stephen, the gracious and generous donations by our faith family whether it be time, talent, or treasure continues to bless our hungry neighbors in need. Here all are welcome! Feed anyone who comes through our door. For many, it’s a matter of when we eat, not if we eat.
Outreach Ministry Vision: To embrace Catholic teaching to support outreach ministries for all who are in need of the love, compassion, and mercy of God.
Rooted in Scripture: (Matthew 25:41): For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. The Corporal Works of Mercy is an action we can perform that extends God’s compassion and mercy to all those in need.
Our History: Our pantry was started quite a while ago in a room up in the main church and coordinated by Sister Clarice. Several years later it moved to its current location at the Gonderinger Parish Center (GPC).
Food Drives: Our pantry inventory is supported by food drives throughout the year through individual donations, parish-wide donations, Knights of Columbus’s first Saturday food drop-off donations, parish school, and religious education drives. Additional food items collected after stocking our parish pantry are generously shared with local pantries within our Omaha community to feed all God’s people.
Hours of Operation: Open Monday-Friday by appointment. Pick-up time by an agreed-upon schedule.
Conversations with the Requesting Family: Do they need food for just themselves or a family? Are children in the family? Are there special dietary needs? Is the family in need of anything else?
Donation Drop-Off: Donations can be dropped off in the GPC Lobby area 7 days a week and placed on the donation cart.
Volunteers: Shelve groceries from donations and sack the bags for distribution.
Contact: Colleen Eusterwiemann, Pastoral Care Coordinator, at 402-861-4538.
