DCF Proactive Grant Supports North Dearborn Pantry

The Pantry assists Dearborn County residents in need by providing food and clothing.

DCF Board Member Gary Honchell, front right, presents a $1,000 grant check to North Dearborn Pantry Board President Bruce Lippard, front left, and other members of the pantry board of directors and staff. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - “My wife and I have supported the pantry for many years, so we know how they do so much for people who have so little. It just makes sense to help people who help people.”

That’s how Dearborn Community Foundation Board Member Gary Honchell summed up his recommendation for a $1,000 Proactive Grant to the North Dearborn Pantry, Inc., as part of the Foundation’s annual program, through which each of the organization’s 15 volunteer Board members recommends a grant.

The Pantry assists Dearborn County residents in need by providing food and clothing, as well as directing folks to other county resources that can further assist them with respect, dignity, and compassion.

The Pantry is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of a board of directors and director, but the engine that makes it run is the 150 volunteers throughout Jackson, Kelso, Logan, Harrison, York and Miller townships in northern Dearborn County.

They work diligently on many programs that provide food and clothing for adults and children. The line-up also includes a holiday food distribution, “Giving Tree” program at Christmas, summer kid’s snack packs, and Back to School supplies.

Its humble beginning was launched in the early 1970s when Ann and Leroy Jeffries established the pantry from their home. In 2005, the expanded pantry moved to 2517 North Dearborn Road near Bright.

Today, the Pantry provides meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, canned goods, toiletries and much more. Its available stock changes regularly, but folks in need receive an up-to-date shopping list every trip.

Households are welcome to return every two weeks for fresh groceries. Visit northdearbornpantry.org, or stop by the North Dearborn Road location. Service hours and much more information is on the Web Site.

Anyone can contribute to an unrestricted DCF endowment to help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2024. For a list of unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit dearborncf.org.

If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit our website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options.