by Rachel Hunter
The Grace Food Pantry in Gouverneur is now opening weekly on Wednesday mornings, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the doors open to the Grace Food Pantry – located in the basement of the Christian Life Fellowship Church at 52 Church St., Gouverneur – each week not just to distribute food, but to offer hope.
The Grace Food Pantry is more than a place to pick up groceries. It’s a lifeline for families facing impossible choices: heat or medicine, rent or dinner. In the North Country region where winters bite hard and wages often fall short, the pantry stands as a quiet, steadfast promise that no one has to face hunger alone.
Boxes are filled with care: proteins to nourish, vegetables to sustain, cereal for the mornings, and gleaned items like bread and yogurt that add a touch of comfort. It’s not just about calories—it’s about dignity.
Pastor Robert LaVeck, who founded the Grace Food Pantry and shepherded this mission for over three decades, says he’s never seen poverty like this. The need is rising, and so is the resolve. Week after week, the pantry adapts, stretches, and gives … because behind every box is a story. A grandmother raising her grandkids. A veteran trying to make ends meet. A single parent working two jobs and still coming up short. The Grace Food Pantry isn’t just feeding people. It’s feeding hope, compassion, and the belief that in Gouverneur, no one is forgotten.
Donations are at the heartbeat of the Grace Food Pantry. Without them, the shelves grow bare and the boxes shrink. Every donation helps bridge the gap for families who are struggling to put meals on the table. The Grace Food Pantry has recently received donations of farm-fresh vegetables, dairy products, and more. This is only made possible thanks to the generous community support.
The Grace Food Pantry not only distributes food but also extends its care by providing donated medical equipment (such as walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches) to individuals in need, helping ease the burden for families facing health challenges. In times of crisis, the pantry also supplies donated small appliances, responding quickly and compassionately to urgent situations. These vital efforts reflect the pantry’s commitment to offering practical help and emotional support, ensuring that neighbors in distress receive both sustenance and the resources to restore comfort and dignity in their lives.
To learn how you can get involved in supporting the mission, call Pastor Robert LaVeck at (315) 287-7656.