The Mission operates the largest food pantry in Tioga County. It is located at our facility on North Avenue in Owego. The hours are from 10AM-Noon, and 1-4:30 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The food pantry is open on Saturdays from 10AM-Noon.
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 supplies food to Another Door Opens in the hamlet of Lockwood. This location is open the 3rd Friday of each month from 10AM-1PM. Those in need will be given a bag of groceries upon arrival.
The Outreach department helps people in the community in a number of different ways. We help many families in need with clothing, food, and furniture. We strongly believe in assisting the working poor. The MIssion also provides support to Senior Citizens, depending on the financial budget and situation.
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, The Bridge of Hope Ministries, The Owego Rotary Club, Tioga State Bank, the Apalachin Lions Club, the Waverly Community Chest, the Floyd Hooker Foundation, the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation, the Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation, Dollar General, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Town of Owego Highway Department, Guthrie Healthcare, and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Children's Christmas parties are held in both Owego and Waverly each year. Each child receives gifts, a warm hat, a pair of mittens, a blanket, a book, and socks and underwear.
Doughnuts and hot cocoa are served at the Waverly location, and that party is co-hosted by the Waverly Police Benevolent Association. Waverly Community Chest also provides support for this event, along with Toys For Tots.
The Owego party is a drive-thru event. Patrons drive up to our Outreach area, where our elves fill their vehicle with the above mentioned items. This event is also supported by Toys For Tots.
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!