Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Lindsay Copus and her son, Shaw Copus, dedicate their Wednesdays to volunteering at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry in Ramsey. The pantry, which also includes a Clothes Closet, is managed by Patty Sneed and supported by numerous volunteers from the community.

The pantry has been operational for over 20 years since its inception by Catholic Charities. Now run by St. Joseph parishioners and other local volunteers, it serves the town of Ramsey and Fayette County. Sneed highlights that the pantry's space has been remodeled thanks to church donations, making it more functional for visitors.

Sneed joined the pantry efforts after retiring and moving to Ramsey with her husband. She acknowledges long-time contributors like Penny Daniels, Becky Kerkhoff, Pat Bolyard, Janice Jones, and Irene Thull who have been involved since its early days.

Food supplies come from various sources including Walmart through the Feeding America program. "Working with Walmart is a 'huge Godsend,'" says Sneed. Contributions also come from Mothers of Dolors Parish in Vandalia, St. Joseph Parish members, community donors, and collaboration with another small food pantry in Fillmore.

The pantry provides canned goods; staples such as peanut butter and jelly; produce; bakery items; meats; paper products; and hygiene items free of charge to those in need. "I used to buy food," Sneed notes but now relies on regular donations from parishioners who contribute weekly based on specific needs.

Visitors can access clothing and baby items without cost though many choose to leave monetary donations which help sustain operations. "We have clients of all ages," Sneed explains. She emphasizes not turning anyone away regardless of their situation.

Assistance is available once a month per family based on size categories: one to three people; three to six people; or more than seven people. Volunteers assist visitors during their visits ensuring they take what they need while respecting personal choice.

Volunteers hail not only from area Catholic churches but also from Ramsey Christian Church, First Baptist Church of Ramsey, and Liberty Church in Ramsey. “I typically have 50 volunteers every month,” says Sneed noting diverse age groups involved including an 8-year-old boy who helps alongside his mother.

Rising grocery prices have increased demand at the pantry significantly since COVID-19 hit in 2021 when about 500 individuals were served annually compared to over 2,300 clients served last year alone according to Sneed: “Nothing goes to waste here.”

Father Seth Brown commends the work done by Sneed along with other volunteers describing it as remarkable given its scale relative to parish size: “It’s St Joseph’s biggest apostolate."

St Joseph’s Food Pantry operates out of 188 E Main Street in Ramsey opening Wednesdays between 9 a.m.-11 a.m., again at 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., plus every first Saturday monthly from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.