Food Pantry
Our Pantry
Bashford UMC is honored to share in ministry with the people of the Eken Park neighborhood and the greater Madison community through our food pantry. We may be small(er), but we pride ourselves on service and connection, making sure each client is seen and affirmed for who they are!
Hours of Operation
Our food pantry is currently open twice each week, once on Mondays from 9:00 am to 10:15 am and once on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required for all volunteers and clients, regardless of vaccination status.
How to Register
To minimize waiting for clients, appointments are recommended. Walk-ins will be served after those with appointments, as time allows. To make an appointment, just call the office at (608)-249-9222.
We offer on-site registration. Photo IDs are required for all family members at the first visit, and for each client attending the pantry after that. Documentation of residence, such as a driver's license, rental agreement or utility bill, is also required. We can serve individuals with income at 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Level ($52,400 yearly for a family of four).
Food Selection
Our volunteers are honored to work with you on the selection of your food. Those who come to the pantry are invited to choose based on what is available, with the amount received being based on household size.
If You Cannot Get an Appointment and Need Food Assistance
If you need help and are unable to get an appointment, simply dial 2-1-1 to reach a caring community resource specialist through United Way 2-1-1 (formerly First Call for Help). Help is available every hour of every day and in almost any language.
You are also welcome to come by our building and see what our Little Free Pantry has to offer. It is located in our front yard facing North Street. The Little Free Pantry is a resource aimed at helping to supplement for immediate needs and is supplied by donations from our church as well as people in the wider neighborhood.
Making Donations to the Pantry
There are many ways to help support the work of the food pantry through the donation of your time (i.e. volunteering), resources (e.g. food, supplies, etc.), and financial gifts. No matter the size of the gift, it makes a real difference in people's lives.
Donations of food and supplies for either the food pantry or the Little Free Pantry may be left on the back porch of the church (under the overhang near the parking lot door). Any financial gifts can be mailed to the church or dropped off at the building during office hours.
Due to limited staffing hours, we are unable to accept donations of perishable food items.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Office Hours and Building Schedule Changes
Our transition work continues! Starting Monday, May 28 our offices will be available by appointment only. Messages received after the 28th will still be checked periodically and returned as soon as possible.
For emergency food assistance, call "2-1-1".
Pastor Doug will be available through the end of June for pastoral care, visitations, and (if necessary) funeral services. You can reach him directly by email or phone.