BLOOMFIELD — The Operation Hand Up food pantry at Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Gosport has expanded its cold storage capacity following a $2,500 grant from the Utilities District of Western Indiana (UDWI) REMC Community Fund.
The grant funding allowed the pantry to replace two aging refrigerators with a commercial-grade cooler, significantly increasing the volume of fresh produce, dairy, and perishable items the organization can distribute to area families. Serving roughly 100 families each week, the pantry operates every Thursday out of a dedicated facility at 5392 IN-67 in Gosport.
“Looking back at how we started—operating out of a supply closet—it’s a blessing to see how much the pantry has grown through the generosity of the community, our staff, and volunteers,” said Angie Devore, Executive Assistant and Treasurer for Lighthouse Fellowship Church.
First established in 1978, Operation Hand Up gradually expanded from a closet to a classroom, eventually overflowing into the church fellowship hall before constructing a standalone pantry building in 2010. Beyond weekly food distributions, the pantry partners with local emergency services, neighboring food pantries, and area “backpack buddy” youth programs.
“We thank UDWI members for donating to the Community Fund and to the Community Fund Board for choosing our ‘Operation Hand Up’ as the recipient of this grant,” Devore added. “It truly allows us to continue our mission of supporting families in the community.”
Funding for the grant comes from UDWI REMC’s RoundUp Program, where cooperative members opt to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar to support local non-profit projects.
Operation Hand Up was among 13 regional organizations awarded funding during the recent grant cycle, joining groups such as the A.M. Risher Pool Revitalization Project, Greene County Drug Task Force, and St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
The UDWI REMC Community Fund is currently accepting applications for its next round of funding. Non-profit organizations within UDWI REMC’s service territory can review guidelines and apply online at udwiremc.com. Community members interested in volunteering or supporting Operation Hand Up can learn more at lfc.life.
