Eden food pantry finds home

The Lord’s Food Pantry has found a new home – the old Tiger Tek building on Bridge Street. Andrew “Gyp” Collins, Lord’s Food Pantry founder and director, is breathing a sigh of relief.
“We got the best luck in the world finding that building,” he said. “We’re going to be in there as quick as humanly possible.”
The Lord’s Food Pantry will have to pay the rent, the utilities and the insurance for the building. The pantry did not have those expenses when it operated out of the fellowship hall of Hampton Heights Baptist Church. But the church told the pantry it could no longer use the building because of a spike in the cost of insurance. The last day the pantry distributed food was July 14.
“These people have been without food. This coming week will be two weeks,” said Collins. “That’s what breaks my heart … is that they’ve had to wait this long.”
The pantry needs donations to pay for the cost of food from Second Harvest Food Bank, for rent, utilities and a host of other expenses.
“If it weren’t for the power of God, it would be impossible,” said Collins. “Every bit of it is through contributions.”
The food pantry has distributed food to more than 500 people a week in Rockingham County for the past five years. Last month the pantry fed more than 2,000 people. Collins has faith the community will help to keep the ministry going.
“It’s a needed thing, and I don’t think Rockingham County is going to let us down,” he said. One local business – Eden Drug – has already stepped up to help Collins and the pantry with the cost of moving into the new building.
“We’re going to try to at least get them started,” said Pete Crouch, owner of Eden Drug. “It’s just a small thing we can do.”
Crouch called Collins’ dedication to the pantry and his ability to go out and find food at low prices “amazing.” He said he sees a need for the pantry to continue its ministry.
“The work that they do is needed, especially with the economy the way it is today.”
Send donations to the Lord’s Food Pantry, Inc., c/o Andrew Collins, 700 McConnell Ave., Eden, NC. The food pantry is an incorporated, non-profit organization.

Staff Writer Miranda Baines can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 35.