By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer

Amazing Grace Church of Alabaster has re-opened its food pantry to fulfill a need in both the church and the community.

The food bank, which is located behind the church building at 949 U.S. Highway 31 South, opened in July and is serving people every third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“We need canned goods, any kind of dried beans, pasta and sauce. Those are the main staples,” said Genia Blankenship, Church Administrative Assistant and wife of Pastor Keven Blankenship.

While the church prefers that customers live in Shelby or Chilton County, there are no other qualifications to meet.

Blankenship said Amazing Grace had a food pantry in the past and that church leaders felt the need to relaunch the ministry. She credits church board member Bob Mattiace with getting the project up and running again.

“We just really felt led by God that we needed to re-open it, and that’s the total reason for it,” Blankenship said, adding, “We have a lot of widows in our church, and they’re on a fixed income. That’s another reason we wanted to do this.”

Anyone who wishes to donate items to the food bank is encouraged to visit the church’s website at www.agalabaster.org. Just click the link that says “Give,” follow the prompts and select “Food Bank” as the fund to donate to. There is also an app that may be downloaded; more information is available on the site.

“Family takes care of family,” said church member Daphanie McClure. “Come join us at Amazing Grace and become a part of our family.”