Location

At the Wildwood United Methodist Church
300 Mason Street
Wildwood, FL 34785
Phone: 352—748—1275

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History

The food pantry is organized as a joint outreach ministry between New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, and the Wildwood United Methodist Church. There has been a faith based pantry operation in operation in Wildwood for over 35 years. The Wildwood Food Pantry moved to its current home at Wildwood UMC in May 2005.

Food Distributed

In 2021 nearly 400,000 pounds of food was distributed to food insecure families residing in Sumter County. Not only have our average number of families served increased, but many of the household sizes have increased. We are also reaching out into some of the outlying areas of the county this past year.

Eligibility

Screening is done to determine eligibility for receiving food supplements. Recipient must be residents of Sumter County. Also eligible are families who are already on food stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Medicaid, or the income guidelines provided annually by the State of Florida for Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Eligibility is reviewed at least annually.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Volunteers

There is no paid staff, but over 135 volunteers regularly provide support to the food pantry operation.  Most of the volunteers come from New Covenant UMC, with others coming from area churches and the greater Villages community.

 

 

Days of Operation

Mass food distributions are conducted from 0900-1200 on the first and third Fridays of each month.  Emergency food can be arranged by calling the church office or contacting us using our web site  WildwoodFoodPantry.com

Frequency

Eligible recipients can receive food supplements at each of the twice-monthly distributions.

Food Sources

Regular ongoing food drives are conducted at New Covenant UMC, Fairway Christian Church, Live Oaks Community Church, Temple Shalom, and Open Bible Lutheran Church. The Seeds of Hope Food Drive held annually in The Villages provides a great source of donated food and funds, and local clubs and businesses often collect food as part of their charitable outreach. The remainder of food needed is purchased from area food banks and local supermarkets.

Donations

Donations for the food pantry are welcome at our pantry location which is on the corner of N. Old Wire Road and Barwick Street (Behind the church), Donations are received on Mon, Wed, Fri between 8:30 and 11:00 hours. Donations are also accepted at the entrance of New Covenant United Methodist Church year-round. Cash donations can be made out to:

Wildwood Food Pantry
300 Mason St.
Wildwood, FL 34785

Contacts

Pantry Coordinators Don & Marlene Huggins (352-874-3043) or the church office (352-748-1275).
Email: WildwoodFP@gmail.com
Our website: WildwoodFoodPantry.com

Pantry Governance Committee:

Don & Marlene Huggins, Richard & Susan Edwards, Jay & Judy Newport, Dick & Jeannie Maxfield, and Bob Koehling.