Our Story
The Pantry began in 1981, inspired by the vision of Peter Theune, the youth director at American Reformed Church. In his catechism class, children started saving their Mid-Week offerings, and by the end of the year, around $350 was raised. Then in the fall, the pantry was set up beneath the church's west stairwell, thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Bud Van Otterloo and Ed Lancaster, and using the funds raised by the children.
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In January 1982, a group of Catechism children and teachers went shopping to stock the shelves. The pantry officially opened on January 10, 1982, after a dedication service.
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Initially, only one family per week used the pantry, but word spread and the need grew. Other churches and community members began supporting the pantry, which became a vital resource for emergency food in Sioux County. Since the opening of the pantry, it has served hundreds of families in need.​​
In its early years, the pantry was coordinated by Phyllis Rensink, who helped bring additional churches together to serve the community. In 1989, Junia Punt became involved, bringing fresh energy and new opportunities, serving the pantry faithfully for 34 years.​
As we move into 2025, the food pantry is experiencing growth and change, transitioning from offering distributions a few times a year to now providing food every month. We continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community, and we anticipate even more changes in the future as we remain committed to serving our neighbors with compassion and care.
​At the heart of our ministry is a simple yet profound mission: to feed our neighbors out of obedience to God and love for others.
At the heart of the Orange City Food Pantry lies the powerful story of the Widow at Zarephath from 1 Kings 17:7-16—a story that deeply reflects our faith and mission to feed God's people, care for the poor, and love our neighbors as ourselves. We firmly believe that in our times of greatest need, God faithfully provides because of His immense love for us.
In this biblical story, Elijah hides from Ahab during the drought God brought upon Israel. During his hiding, God told him to seek out a widow for bread and water. In the midst of preparing her last meal for herself and her son, she was approached by Elijah, who asked her for bread and water as God commanded him. She had nothing to give him.
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
The widow couldn’t outgive God as He supplied for her needs when she was obedient. There was always flour and oil. In the same way, we believe God is calling us to be generous, with confidence that He will supply all of our needs. We give, and He will fill our shelves. Similarly, at the Orange City Food Pantry, we have repeatedly witnessed God's provision.
Through generous monetary donations, food contributions, and willing volunteers, God has met the needs of our community, ensuring that no one goes without during times of hardship.As we serve, we recognize that all the glory is to God, who faithfully cares for His children.