Front and Center Ministries Inc, Eyota Food Pantry

Our Mission

Front and Center is a place where people may give or receive food, clothing, and nurturing with kindness and grace.

Our Vision

To humbly feed and clothe those in need.

Our Values

Necessities: We believe in reliable access to healthy, appealing, and culturally appropriate food, basic clothing, and options to promote overall health in our communities.

Respect for all: We believe client-centered, welcoming, and positive approaches create dignified experiences that further equity in our communities.

Collaborative partnerships: We believe mutual trust and fully engaged partners build strong, connected communities working toward sustainable systems change.

Evidence-based practices: We believe excellence comes from thoughtful, data-driven evaluation of our reality and sustainability to aid our partners and promote evidence-based change.

OUR BEGINNINGS

The Eyota Food Pantry was the Silver Award Project of local Girl Scouts in 2017, who saw a need for services and resources for those facing food insecurity. They diligently worked to set up a food pantry that served 10-20 households once a month. Due to significant community need and their impending graduations from high school, the founding group of Girl Scouts began to seek assistance from other groups to continue their vision and mission. In 2020 a group of Eyota clergy and community members responded by incorporating as a 501(c)3 non-profit called Front and Center Ministries, Inc., which includes the Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift on Front.

EYOTA FOOD PANTRY

Front and Center partners with the Channel One Regional Food Bank and participates in the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food to any participant in need. Financial support, food and personal hygiene items are also donated by community members, retail partners and community groups in the wider Eyota area. Further support comes through state and federal grants and community foundations. We currently distribute, on average, around 13,000 pounds of food in over 300 household visits monthly. We are a certified SuperShelf, intentionally creating a welcoming, dignified experience to bring appealing and healthy food to all.

THRIFT ON FRONT

Thrift on Front is the thrift store which was established in 2020 to complement and support the food pantry. Community members donate clothing and household items, which are then sold at reasonable prices to the public. All proceeds from Thrift on Front support the Eyota Food Pantry operations.

OUR MISSION AND HOW WE ACCOMPLISH IT

Front and Center, Inc. is volunteer driven, maintaining an inclusive and safe place for all participants. Our Board of Directors strives to follow best practices for non-profits, always with an eye toward sustainability. We value our partnerships and take pride in our role in strengthening local individuals, families, schools, businesses and other community groups through collaboration and outreach. Our 30+ volunteers bring energy and positivity to our mission. 

Your generous support is welcomed and appreciated!