Food Pantry

Scripture

For I was hungry, and you fed me...I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! (Matthew 25:36-40)

Mission Statement

The Food Pantry of Mary Queen Catholic Church seeks to bring a measure of God's love and mercy to others by sharing the blessings of food and other resources with those who are in need. All those who walk through our doors are seen as our brothers and sisters in Christ and will therefore be served with great respect and compassion.

Ministry Description

The Food Pantry is open from 10:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday. We provide assistance to our clients according to our resources and guidelines in the form of groceries, including meat and personal care items, and in some cases partial payment of utilities. We gladly serve those who are in need that live in Friendswood, Alvin and Pearland (zip code 77581 only).

Events

• Lenten Almsgiving: Parishioners are offered an opportunity to fill the shelves of the Food Pantry during Lent. Each weekend of Lent different items are requested and parishioners drop off items in the narthex before Mass.
• Summer Grocery Program: School counselors recommend families who depend on the free and reduced lunch programs during the school year. Parishioners volunteer to deliver groceries to 12 families six times during the summer months.
• School Supply drive: Parishioners will find school supply receptacles in the Narthex at the end of summer. All school supplies collectted are then distributed to Food Pantry clients.
• Thanksgiving Baskets: In the fall, parishioners will have the opportunity to donate money that is used specifically to purchase all of the groceries needed for Thanksgiving dinner. Volunteers shop, sort and bag the groceries. The Sunday before Thanksgiving Food Pantry clients come to pick up their Thanksgiving groceries.
• Giving Tree: Parishioners will have the opportunity to donate Christmas gifts for needy children, seniors in nursing homes, or the homeless in Galveston. Our gifts for children go to Catholic Charities. Two local nursing homes receive gifts for their residents. Wee also collect gifts for Our Daily Bread (a day shelter for the homeless in Galveston).

Volunteer/Service Opportunities

Parishioners volunteer to staff the Mary Queen Food Pantry; there are 4 - 6 volunteers for each weekday. Our volunteer staff greet each client and determines their needs. Some volunteers interview clients while others prepare bags of food for the client. Our volunteers also stock shelves and arrange items collected from various food drives organized during the year. New volunteers are always welcome. no experience is necessary. The only requirement is a kind and generous heart and a willingness to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Donations

By the grace of God, we are able to help thousands of people a year.

The good that we are able to accomplish is supported entirely by donations. We eagerly accept food donations from businesses, individuals and organizations throughout the community. If you are able to organize a food drive please contact the Food Pantry.

Food donations can be delivered directly to the Food Pantry during operating hours, placed in the Food Pantry basket in the Church lobby, or in the Food Pantry chest located in the hallway of the Parish Center. 

Pink envelopes are available in the Church for monetary donations (cash, checks or Kroger Gift Cards). The pink envelopes can be placed in the weekend collection basket or brought to the Parish Office during regular office hours.