Peter’s Pantry is an outgrowth of Whitney UMC’s unique Partners In Education relationship with Whitney Elementary School located right across the street.  While most schools have P.I.E. relationships with businesses, Whitney was and may still be the only church in Boise having a P.I.E. relationship.  As part of its P.I.E. relationship, a food pantry was set up to anonymously provide families in need with enough food to tide them over for a weekend.  The original pantry was managed and financed by Whitney’s Manna “empty nesters” group.

Today Peter’s Pantry is a budgeted outreach program and partners with the Idaho FoodBank to distribute 3-day supplies (9 meals worth) of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food per family member during times of need.

Each month Whitney purchases tons of non-perishable food from the FoodBank.  Dedicated servants do the shopping, transport the food to Whitney, restock storage cabinets and prepare 3-day supplies in boxes and bags.

Those in need of food are able to obtain it (no more than once a month) from the church office between 9:30 AM – Noon weekdays.

During 2007, Whitney UMC distributed enough non-perishable food for 29484 meals.  The age distribution of the recipients was 44% children (18 and under), 52% to adults and 2% to seniors (60+).

For more information on this outreach ministry, contact Johnna Dunten.