The Neighborhood Food Pantry Ministry was first organized under the auspices of "In One ACCORD". Five pantries opened their doors on November 2, 1992 in different geographic locations in Battle Creek. On November 1, 1999, the Neighborhood Food Pantry Ministry transferred its funds to the Battle Creek Community Foundation which acts as the fiduciary agent. A sixth pantry was added in May 2014.

St. Philip parishioners volunteer their time at the Franklin Pantry. It was originally housed at the old Franklin School on Bennett Street and is now located at the First Methodist Church. An average of 500 people are served each month at this site. Our volunteers staff the pantry every Monday from 1:00 to 3:00.

If you are interested in helping this ministry once a month, please contact Judy Montych, our parish coordinator, at 269-965-8246 or jmontych@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers are needed to register clients using the pantry computer program, bag groceries and stock shelves, pick up donated bread from Family Fare, and transport food from the Food Bank to the Pantry. If you wish to donate to the Pantry, there is a barrel in the vestibule of church to leave your food items. Financial donations can be sent to the Food Bank of South Michigan Food Bank or the Battle Creek Community Foundation designating the Franklin Neighborhood Food Pantry as the recipient.


Janet Borders, Director of the Neighborhood Food Pantry Ministries and a parishioner of St. Philip.


Neighborhood Food Pantry meeting and potluck in November 2018.


Judy and Cathy checking clients in.


Dave and Deb are filling grocery bags to give to clients.