Pastor Scott Cunningham provides fresh vegetables for the BCS Food Pantry in Oak Harbor from a spacious garden behind St Paul United Church Of Christ.

The BCS Food Pantry at St. Paul United Church Of Christ in Oak Harbor is making sure folks needing a healthy meal are getting their vegetables. While the food pantry is in the basement of the church, a garden behind the church is providing much-needed vegetables, and they couldn’t be fresher.

“All of the produce goes to the food pantry,” said Karen Dages. “We have expanded our program so that we also have garden space at Trinity United Church of Christ in Elliston, along with St. John’s Lutheran and R.C. Waters Elementary School in Oak Harbor.”

Families have adopted some of their raised garden beds and will be tending them. The BCS Pantry partners with other agencies and food banks to share and supply food for their food pantry.  Bistro 163, a popular pay-it-forward restaurant in Port Clinton, builds flavorful meals with vegetables from the BCS Food Pantry.

Recipients are required to live in the Benton Carroll Salem School District and are below a minimum income level. For more information, contact Pastor Scott Cunningham at 419-898-0852. Cunningham is president of the BCS Food Pantry, with lots of help from his wife, Kristen, which is open on Mondays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 165 N. Toussaint St., Oak Harbor.

The Cunninghams strive to nourish the hunger and spiritual needs of the people, and believes the church is the people and not a building or place. They are active in youth fellowship, enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors, kayaking, and their golden doodle pup, Lily.