Immaculate Conception parish’s pastor, John Wight, blesses the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry during the Thursday, March 30 Open House. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry has a new and improved home in the Port Clinton Plaza in Port Clinton. The pantry, now located at 129 Maple Street behind McDonalds, held an Open House on Thursday, March 30 to reveal the new facility to the public. The pantry is a ministry of Immaculate Conception Church.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul President Andy Migas said the new location offers many benefits, beginning with the plaza’s large parking lot.

“Bassett’s owns the building, and they built new ramps for us so we can roll the carts into the parking lot. Bassett’s has been really great to us,” Migas said.

Other advantages of the new location include a large waiting area and air conditioning.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul President Andy Migas said the food pantry’s new location offers improved amenities like air conditioning and a large waiting area. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“We’re really excited about summer, because we have air conditioning here,” Migas said.

The food pantry serves people living in the Port Clinton School District who meet financial requirements set by the State of Ohio. Clients must register to receive food. The pantry is open every other Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Seniors 60 and over are allowed entry at 4 p.m., and all others may enter beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Food is purchased through local food banks and grocery stores, and the pantry accepts monetary and food donations. To make a donation, contact the

Immaculate Conception office at 419-734-4004.

Six-year-old Alice Phillippe of Port Clinton gives a donation for the food pantry to volunteer Ann Heckerd. Heckerd has been volunteering for over 15 years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The pantry operates as a choice pantry; clients may choose what they want in each section. In addition to nonperishable food, the pantry also offers fresh fruit and vegetables in season, meat, dairy products, fresh bread and desserts. Any leftover perishable foods are donated to Esther’s Table outside Bistro 163 or to Victory Kitchen in Sandusky.

The pantry, which is entirely volunteer-run, has impacted the community since its inception in 1983. In 2022, it served 1,573 families and 2,986 individuals.

“The food pantry is a response based on Christian principles to those in need,” said the parish’s pastor, John Wight.