Congratulations to our February 2023 Precision Cares Recipient – Fresh Wind Christian Community Food Pantry!
It is the mission of the Fresh Wind Food Pantry to provide food on a regular and consistent basis to people who struggle with food insecurity in an environment of love, care, and respect.
The Fresh Wind Food Pantry began in the heart of Benzie County in 2009 and immediately began offering food to hundreds of people who struggle with food insecurities. Some of the highlights that make the Fresh Wind Pantry so unique and effective include…
• Except for gathering some basic questions referring to family size and contact information, the Fresh Wind Pantry is a no questions asked pantry. If someone expresses a need, they can receive food.
• Guests at the Fresh Wind Pantry are able to “shop” for their own food with the assistance of volunteers, as opposed to simply being given a pre-packaged box.
• Guests at the Fresh Wind Pantry are invited to come early for food and stay after they receive their food in a reception area where they can enjoy fellowship with others, snacks, and a hot cup of coffee.
• The Fresh Wind pantry is staffed by many caring volunteers who greet guests, carry food to guest’s cars, help guests shop and sit and visit and build relationships with the guests.
• During the heart of the pandemic, when many other pantries closed, the Fresh Wind Pantry transitioned to a “drive-through” pantry at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In in Beulah. Twice a week, cars were lined up, winding through the drive-in, and thousands were fed.
