
The Charitable Trust continues to visit food pantries in Charles County to raise awareness, as we know food insecurity is an ongoing issue for many residents. The more we can shed light on who is here to help, the more we can connect struggling families to needed resources.
Most recently, Charitable Trust Staff had the privilege to tour and speak with leaders at Good Fight of Faith Evangelist Ministries located in White Plains. When entering their warehouse, you’ll find a well-lit, extremely clean and organized set up of shelving, food, and friendly staff. Pastor Cheryl Somers describes being thrilled to have found this location for their operations two years ago. The large built-in shelving provides plenty of space for canned goods and dry foods, all neatly organized by type. When individuals and families come to the food pantry, they can “shop” for what items they prefer versus getting a pre-determined bag of goods. The number of items available for each person in need is determined by their family size. Along other walls of the warehouse, you can find shelves of baby clothes, children’s accessories, racks of adult clothes, and several freezers and coolers that hold frozen meats and refrigerated items. Food and clothing are provided free of cost to those in need. When visiting the warehouse, optional donations can be made towards restocking for future pantry distribution.
Good Fight of Faith Evangelist Ministries tells the Trust about their many beneficial partnerships throughout Charles County that keeps their pantry running. They receive up to 4,000 pounds of meat and 3,000- 4,000 pounds of baked goods per month from two local Food Lion locations. Staff and volunteers stay busy picking up these donations 11 times each month to stock their shelves and freezers. Staff also collaborate with LifeStyles of Maryland, Southern Maryland Food Bank, Our Place Waldorf soup kitchen, and two local public schools to provide food where it is needed most. Pastor Somers explains she desperately wants to acquire a vehicle for the organization to assist with the frequent travel that is vital to their operation. They currently rely solely on volunteers’ and staff members’ personal vehicles to obtain large quantities of food and reach more remote distribution locations, such as Senior Centers, churches, and housing complexes as far as Bel Alton, Newburg and Nanjemoy.
A unique partnership you’ll find at Good Fight of Faith Evangelist Ministries is their collaboration with Maryland Psychiatric Care, who provides mental health services out of the 2nd floor offices at Good Fight of Faith’s location. Maryland Psychiatric Care’s CEO, Gwen Lindsey, also spoke with Charitable Trust Staff and gave us a tour of this location, one of multiple they work out of in Charles County. Gwen explains the psychological link between having basic needs met such as food, shelter, and safety and one’s quality of mental health. These two organizations work closely together and refer individuals in need to each other’s resources.
How TO HELP: Good Fight of Faith Evangelist Ministries’ priority needs are currently donations of canned and dry foods. They are also looking to obtain a vehicle through a grant or donation. Call 1-800-652-5404 or email pastorcheryl@gfofemglobal.com to arrange a donation drop off or to get more information.
How to GET HELP: Food Giveaways are every 2nd and 4th Saturday at 4470 Southern Business Park Drive in White Plains. If you need emergency food assistance, please call 1-800-652-5404.