UPDATE: We have been contacted by someone who works in local WIC Dept. She is saying WIC is ok at this time and they are open and still giving formula vouchers. Thus I took out the reference to WIC. I am going to guess that these mothers today either used all of their vouchers for the month and needed a little supplement and were scared. When I looked things up online it did say WIC was affected but hey, the internet is not always correct. I am going to take this ladies words as truth and WIC should be ok!
As many of you know, SNAP is not being funded for Nov and Garrard Chapel in Owen County is shutting down on Nov 1 for a min. of 6 months. ( We will have a video on this later, and our plans ) Today we saw the first of what will most likely be many panicked mothers who are in need of formula. While we try to have formula and baby food, it goes fast. Some Doctor's offices are trying to help by giving what they can, but it will not last long either. We are OUT of formula. Baby foods MUST be within date and can NOT be expired or damaged. Health Dept is very clear on this rule. If you can , PLEASE, we are in need of formula, any kind with in date. Funds to purchase formula will also work, it's expensive. Formula can be dropped at the Pantry at 3609 IN 46, Bloomington between Urban Air and El Ranchero. Monetary donations can be made via the donate button at www.pantry279.org
PayPal Pantry279@yahoo.com
CashApp $pantry279
Our Venmo is down temporarily
Mailed to Pantry 279 P.O. Box 312, Ellettsville, IN 47429
or just brought by
PLEASE put for formula so it does not get put into the turkey and meat fund.
Thank you and please share!
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Many of you have been enjoying our lovely, colorful benches and new donation sheds at the Pantry. These were part of an Eagle Scout Project done about a year ago. Here is a fun article written about this project!!! We are so very thankful!
Eagle Scout Brings Congregation, Local Businesses, and Volunteers Together to Assist Pantry 279
Scout Troop 100 Boy Scout and BHSN Junior Tyler Cerney in working towards his Eagle Scout rank brought together a congregation, local businesses, and volunteers to help Pantry 279. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, advance through six ranks, and finally, plan, lead, and complete a significant service project that benefits the community. Pantry 279 in Ellettsville, Indiana serves over 1,800 families a month or more than 9,000 people in need across Southern Indiana. Knowing the significant role Pantry 279 plays in the community, Tyler wanted to do a project that would benefit the Pantry. Pantry Director Cindy Chavez identified a need for new donation boxes, benches for elderly and handicap patrons, and a colorful backsplash to protect the wall behind their industrial sink.
Tyler set off to fulfill the Pantry’s needs by working with local businesses to donate the materials needed to build two new donation boxes and create a colorful protective backsplash. When learning of the project to support Pantry 279, Bender Lumber, Tractor Supply, Ellettsville True Value Hardware, Kleindorfer’s Hardware & Variety Store, Bloomington Hardware, and RCV Roofing, Siding & Gutters all offered up the needed lumber, hardware, roofing materials, paints, brushes, Plexiglass, and more. To obtain the benches, Tyler turned to the congregation of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, neighbors, friends, and family. Tyler informed them of his project, and the need for the Pantry’s elderly and handicap patrons to have benches while waiting their turn to obtain assistance from the pantry. Through their monetary donations, Tyler raised the necessary funds for the four park benches within a few weeks.
Turning to fellow scouts and family, Tyler planned and conducted two separate workdays to complete the construction of the donation boxes, cleaning, painting, and protection of the wall, and the assembly and installation of the benches. It took coordination with the property owner, Pantry 279 Staff, Troop 100, Hoosier Trails Council, Ellettsville Fire Department, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, local business, friends, and family to make it happen. In a matter of a few short months, Tyler demonstrated that an individual – young man, high school student athlete, and scout - can bring together a community to help those in need. In an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony on September 3, 2025, Tyler Cerney was recognized for having earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
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Ok, there is a lot of questions about expired food. We are extremely thankful and could not exist without donations! That being said: The post was put up out of frustrations because recently we have been getting A LOT of expired foods, and I mean 5-20+ years expired. Also badly rusted and dented cans, packaged food that smell of cat urine and are damaged. We can NOT hand out rusted or crinkled or badly dented cans. We can NOT hand out extremely expired. We can NOT hand out things that smell like animal urine, are opened , or damaged. It takes us a lot of time to go thru all of the donations and then have to throw away ( an pay for trash removal ) We must be food safe as we do not want to make people sick. Sometimes we get large donations, like the mayo, that is recently past the best buy date and has been given an extension by the maker, and it is very safe. Here is an official guideline that has been posted before. Thank you for helping!!
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💙🐨 A HUGE Thank You to Koala Kare! 🐨💙
We are beyond grateful to Koala Kare for their incredible donation of a baby changing table to Pantry 279! 👶💫
This thoughtful gift helps us better serve the families who come through our doors every day — giving parents and caregivers a safe, clean, and comfortable space to care for their little ones while they receive the support they need. 💕
Your generosity makes a real difference, and we are so thankful for your kindness and commitment to helping our community! 🙏
#Pantry279 #thankyou #communitysupport #KoalaKare #givingback #makingadifference #familyfirst #BloomingtonIN #helpinghands #nonprofitlove #GratefulHearts #TogetherWeCan #LocalLove
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💙 A day in the life of Stephanee at Pantry 279! 💙
From unloading donations to greeting clients with a smile, Stephanee keeps things running smoothly and spreads kindness every step of the way. We’re so thankful for all she does to help feed our community! 🥫✨
#Pantry279 #DayInTheLife #FoodPantry #CommunityLove #FeedingHope #VolunteerSpotlight #NonprofitLife #EndHunger #BloomingtonIN #GivingBack #TeamPantry279 #HelpingHands #DoGoodFeelGood #HungerRelief #LocalLove #MakingADifference
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Thank you Pantry 279 for always helping spread food security! Dan Puett, Christina, & Lauren….we appreciate collaborating with you always!
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🧥❄️ Need a warm coat this winter? Come to the Free Winter Coats and Clothing Giveaway this Saturday, November 8th, from 8 AM–1 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington!
We’ll have coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and socks — all free and available for all ages and genders.
Stay warm and spread the word! ❤️
#BloomingtonIN #CommunitySupport #FreeCoats #WinterWarmth #Pantry279 #TrinityEpiscopalChurch
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💙 Happening Today! 💙
Join us at the Bloomington Out of the Darkness Walk at Switchyard Park and help support suicide prevention and awareness. 🕊️
They are also running a Thanksgiving Food Drive for Pantry 279 during the event — please bring nonperishable food items to help local families in need this holiday season. 🥫🧡
Every step and every can makes a difference. 💛
#outofthedarkness #afsp #Pantry279 #bloomington #EndSuicide #communitysupport #ThanksgivingDrive
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