There is an art to the way Barbara Harpold packs cans of corn and beans in groceries bags.
- Barbara Harpold fills grocery bags with food for families
- Pantry program started in a closet, she says
- Bags help feed a couple hundred people each week
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That dedication can be seen through every carefully packed bag at Eau Gallie First Baptist. Every week, Harpold helps pack 60 to 100 bags of groceries to give to families. They help feed about 200 people a week.
Clients can get the food once a month.
"We will fudge on that a little bit if need be, but basically, we can't afford any more than that, because it's totally supported by the church," Harpold said.
The 79-year-old has seen the pantry program grow since she got involved some nine years ago.
"We started in a closet. We had a little tiny air-conditioning closet and then this room became available we got in here and somebody donated all the shelves," she said.
Whether it's restocking the pantry with support from Second Harvest Food Bank or shopping on her own time — she dedicates hours each week getting meals ready to go to those in need.
"It's all God's ministry. If it wasn't for Him, we couldn't do any of it. It's certainly not something I would have picked to do but I love it. It's my heart," Harpold said.