Benny's House: Helping to Feed a Community in Need

These are tough  times indeed with the COVID virus cutting a swath through our daily lives, shuttering business, taking away jobs, limiting access to resources and putting a strain on the places that serve the community during these daunting days.

Food pantries have been inundated with those in need as witnessed by the lines at TrueNorth and other food sources in our area and schools have stepped up to help assure their students have the food they need.

In White Cloud Benny’s Place an emergency food pantry has been feeding people throughout the community for well over 20 years after being started by the United Methodist Church as a way to help those in need. The pantry had it’s beginnings in the former  parsonage and later moved to  the basement of the old church building  before landing in its current home at 1139 Newell. The house had been purchased by the church and the caretaker/sexton of the church (Benny) resided there until his death, hence the name Benny’s House.
 Doris Steele Sirk started running the pantry around 2004 and 8 years later  Helen Reid took over. Since last fall Shaunna Baker and Pat Fetterley have co-led the operation.

Once a month people can get a hold of some much needed provisions at Benny’s House. While primarily serving their area there are no specific boundaries so all are welcome.
As Ms. Baker said “If they get here we can feed them”
All that’s required is a photo i.d.

With COVID-19 requiring protective measures Benny’s is offering curbside service not unlike the drive ins of old. You pull up to the curb, call in to register and your food will be bagged and brought to your car.

Benny’s (1139 Newell, White Cloud) is open Monday- Thursday from 10am-noon and Thursday nights from 5-7pm
Call 231.689.1401