Maumee-Bowling Green Elks #1850 Helps Fight Hunger in Community

Maumee-Bowling Green Elks Lodge #1850 used a $2,500 Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant for COVID relief and fighting hunger and food insecurity in NW Ohio. The money was given to Under One Roof Food Pantry in Maumee, Ohio.

Under One Roof Food Pantry is run by a volunteer staff, and an advisory board oversee the pantry, with board representatives from partnering agencies, which include Calvary Church; Cass Road Baptist Church; First Church of Christ, Scientist; Faith Community United Church of Christ; First Presbyterian Church; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 

The food pantry is located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Maumee, at 310 Elizabeth St.   

The pantry serves almost 200 individuals every month, with nonperishable items donated from various organizations, including churches, individuals, and Seagate Food Bank, with perishable items coming from the Food Bank and some of the fresh vegetables coming from the church’s garden.

Clients receive food and other personal hygiene items which are distributed based on income, with a protocol that follows federal government guidelines.  Those in need are instructed to call the center and an application is made over the phone, after which appointments are set for individuals to come get their food and other items.

Pictured left to right: Ron Finn, from Under One Roof Food Pantry Advisory Board; Sherry Jaquay, Maumee-BG Elks Treasurer and Charity Chairperson; and Mark Krebs from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Under One Roof Partner Organization) and Maumee-BG Elk member.