This project is a reflection of the growth of our parish, the dedication of our parish family, Sacred Heart's role in the community, and most importantly, our commitment to the Gospel mandate to take care of the poor.
The total cost of this project will be around $150,000 and we hope to start construction some time later this Spring.
A few final details are being worked out, but our new pantry will be up to 2,000 square feet in size, allowing us to better serve those in our community who are hungry and in need.
The Sacred Heart Food Pantry is open five days a week — one of a few in our area open that many days — and is currently serving 2,876 individuals per month (around 700 families), in a space just under 700 square feet.
Our new building — the first major construction at the parish since a wing was added to Sacred Heart School back in 1929 — helps us to ensure that our vital Food Pantry ministry remains sustainable long-term. It also provides opportunities to further grow this ministry.
As most of you know, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry is the oldest, and longest-running food pantry here in the Quad Cities. The pantry originated on-site at Sacred Heart in the 1940's and for many years was run out of the church basement before moving to the Rock Island Township Hall almost 20 years ago.
It should be noted, the Rock Island Township Hall has been a wonderful host to us. This construction project and desire to move back on site at Sacred Heart is only a reflection of us taking advantage of a great opportunity for our parish. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Township Hall for their many years of hosting our pantry.
Today is a very exciting day for Sacred Heart Parish and the Sacred Heart Food Pantry!
If you, or anyone you know, feels inspired by the good work happening at the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and would like to help support this important new project in some way, please reach out to Chris Mandle at (309) 738-5967 or chrismandle@gmail.com.
If you simply wish to make an online donation to this effort, you can do so here by selecting Property Improvement Memorial Fund from the list of dropdown options.
We appreciate each and every one of you who support our efforts to help meet the needs of those in the local community struggling with food insecurity.
