The Mission operates the largest food pantry in Tioga County. It is located at our facility on North Avenue in Owego.
How It Works!
Our clients are welcome to come every 30 days for a visit through the pantry, and anyone is welcome to get free bread every day. Homebound clients should call to make arrangements for food delivery.
The Mission also partners with volunteers from the former Lockwood Methodist Church to run a food pantry at that location. The pantry is open the 3rd Friday of each month from 10AM-1PM.
The Outreach department helps people in the community in a number of different ways. Our thrift store is a great resource to help supply fire and flood victims with furniture, beds, household items and clothing after a disaster. We also help many other families in need with clothing and furniture. We strongly believe in assisting the working poor. We help individuals with professional clothing for work or an interview, or specialty clothing such as steel toed shoes. Some of the clients that we serve also receive assistance with rent and utility costs. Also depending on the financial budget and situation, the Mission has financially assisted with car repairs, car insurance, prescription costs, burial costs, and driver's licenses.
We're grateful for all the support we've received from the community over the years, including from groups at Lockheed Martin, R&C Auto Repair, area Scout troops, the Owego Post Office, and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Mission's Outreach program offers several community programs through out the year. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, holiday food baskets are distributed. We provide a turkey and all of the fixings for a festive meal. These holiday baskets are distributed in Owego, Waverly and Lockwood.
Children's Christmas parties are held in both Owego and Waverly each year. Each child receives a gift, candy, a warm hat, a pair of mittens, a blanket, a book, and socks and underwear. Doughnuts and hot cocoa are served and Santa pays a visit.
Our Lockwood Food Pantry is located at the former Lockwood Methodist Church, now known as Another Door Opens Church and Community Center! . It is open on the 3rd Friday of each month from 10AM -1PM for Lockwood area residents!
How to Find A Food Pantry In Your Area
During the fall of 2022, Tioga State Bank and the Apalachin Lions Club both conducted coat drives for our Outreach department here at the Mission. As a result of their efforts, the department received many beautiful, warm coats to pass on to those who are in need this winter. A huge thank you to those two groups, and the community members who supported them in their efforts!