FBC Ranier Extends Food Pantry With Community Refrigerator

By Sharon Mager

First Baptist Church of Mt. Ranier (FBC) members are developing a reputation in their community as a beacon of hope — providing help to those in need along with encouragement and prayer.

One of the primary ways FBC cares for its neighbors is by providing food. The church’s pantry, sponsored by FBC’s Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), is known as HOPE — Helping Other People Eat (a name created by the church’s youth). The pantry operates every other Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with food provided through the church’s partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and Nana’s House, which supplies baby food, formula, diapers and wipes.

Members of the FBC of Mt. Ranier and community officials prepared to cut the ribbon to dedicate a new community refrigerator. (Photo by Victor Kirk)

The need is evident. “People begin lining up as early as 8 a.m.,” said WMU Director Dale Jones. When neighbors cannot attend during scheduled hours, church members arrange to meet families to provide emergency food.

On February 27, the church celebrated an expansion of that ministry with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new community refrigerator, making food available at all hours.

Local dignitaries, including Mt. Ranier Mayor Celina Benetez; District 47A Prince George’s County Delegate Diana Fennell; and Council Member Danielle Carter joined local school leaders, church members and volunteers for the celebration. BCM/D Church Partnership Consultant and Pastor of Sharon Bible Fellowship, Victor Kirk, led those gathered in prayer.

Located just outside the church mission center, the refrigerator, received through a grant from the Institute for Public Health Innovation, will be stocked with fresh food for families in the community. “When the food bank isn’t open, the neighborhood school and community can still come and get what they need,” Jones said. Nearby shelving will hold canned goods and boxed staples such as pasta and macaroni.

Jones and other volunteers will monitor and restock the refrigerator. Nana’s House Founder and Director Monica Cole, who also helps lead the pantry, said the church is exploring additional partnerships. “We were trying to get a connection with a grocery store because sometimes they have items that are about to reach their sell-by date and they give them away.”

The pantry grew out of relationships with two neighborhood schools. “We would provide food for baskets for Thanksgiving for Christmas. And if they needed food at other times they would contact us,” Jones said. Seasonal outreach eventually developed into a consistent, relationship-based ministry.

FBC of Mt. Ranier’s new community refrigerator will be available 24-hours to provide food to the community. Members will keep it stocked. (Photo by Candace Cole)

“We talk to the individuals when they come in,” Jones said. “They know us.”

Those conversations often lead to prayer. One man first came sharing that he needed a vehicle. “We prayed with him, and in two weeks, he had a vehicle,” Jones said.  He now attends the church and helps at the pantry. Another family who began by visiting the pantry now attends worship services.

The ministry has also opened doors through opportunities to minister to and with volunteers. “At first, we had no help. Now we have more volunteers than we’ve ever had before, and that comes from just the relationships we’ve built with the people who come to the pantry.” Some of those who stop for food decide to stay and lend a hand.

Some just hear about the pantry and volunteer. One was one of Jones’ neighbors. “I was telling him about the food bank and he let me know he speaks three languages — French, Arabic and Spanish. So he offered to help.” His assistance has been invaluable as families from diverse backgrounds visit the pantry.

In addition to prayer, the church provides devotionals, including “Our Daily Bread” booklets. A prayer request box will be placed near the new refrigerator, providing another connection point for the church and the neighborhood.

Cole said, “Our church believes food is more than just a meal; it’s the foundation of a thriving family and resilient community. But more importantly, it’s showing the love of Jesus to a lost and dying world and giving them hope.”

Do you want to start or grow a compassion/ evangelism ministry at your church? Visit our BCM/D website to learn how we can help equip and resource your church. 

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Content & Stories Editor