Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of

its food bank, a ministry that has grown from a simple “could we?” into a vital service

feeding more than 100 households weekly. What began as a “could we?” has now

flourished into feeding over 100 households on a weekly basis. The effort is entirely

volunteer‑run and rooted in the Catholic Corporal Works of Mercy, especially the call to

feed the hungry.

The food bank originated with Deacon Mike Jones and his wife Debbie, who proposed

the idea in 2020. After consulting with multiple pastors and visiting established food

banks at St. Dominic in Springfield and St. John Vianney in Louisville, the ministry

officially launched on July 15, 2021. Its first week served 34 people, but demand quickly

increased. The bank expanded from a small office to the former school gymnasium and

partnered with local Dollar Stores for surplus perishables.

A major turning point came when the USDA sought a Meade County partner for the

Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Initially unsure they could manage the

scale, volunteers ultimately agreed, recognizing that “we couldn’t afford not to try.” This

decision required more equipment, space, and coordination, supported by parishioner

donations and prayer.

Today, Saint John’s Food Bank serves roughly 250 people weekly and distributes both

TEFAP (monthly, income‑based) and church‑funded food (weekly, needs‑based).

Recent support includes a $10,000 grant from Catholic Charities, part of a rural‑focused

initiative. The ministry continues under the leadership of Father Michael Martin, who

praises volunteers for sustaining this essential outreach to the community.

Would you like to help the FOOD BANK? Call our church office and volunteer today @ 270.422.2159