This year during Lent, you are encouraged to participate in the “40 Days, 40 Items” challenge. Each day from Wednesday, Feb. 14, to Thursday, March 28, place a nonperishable item in a box. After the 40th day, bring your box to Saint Matthews UMC for the Food Pantry.

The following items are needed: canned meats (tuna, spam, salmon, ham); canned entries (ravioli, beef stew, spaghetti and meatballs, chili, etc.); canned fruits (mixed variety, peaches, pears, etc.); canned vegetables (pork and beans, black eyed peas); saltine crackers; peanut butter and jelly; boxed or canned milk (whole milk or 2%milk); packaged pasta (macaroni, noodles, spaghetti); small bags of rice or pinto beans; cereals (oatmeal, grits, boxed cereals); and small bottles of condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo). 

Fresh items such as loaves of bread, fresh fruit, prepackaged sliced cheese are also needed, but please deliver them to the church as soon as they are purchased.