Cape Girardeau food pantry provides assistance to those in need

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Catholic Social Ministry Food Pantry was in full force on Saturday, handing out food to all who came by.  

Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the pantry has been helping individuals and families in need since 2006. 

Director Jim Keusenkothan and his team of volunteers work hard to organize food items and fill up cars that come by the pantry. 

The food pantry is open to everyone on Tuesdays and Saturdays, except for the final full week of each month.  

People can collect food once a month and anyone can volunteer, even if they aren’t part of the church. 

“This is how we put our faith into action,” Keusenkothan said. “We worship God and talk about the things we need to do. This is where that happens so this is where we put our faith into action.” 

The volunteers at the Catholic Social Ministry Food Pantry are dedicated to helping people in their community.  

Carol Bierschwal, a volunteer at the pantry, says she enjoys meeting with people and the group she works with on Saturdays. 

“I enjoy coming down here every Saturday and meeting the people,” Bierschwal said. “The Saturday group that I work with are great. We have a lot of fun and you meet a lot of interesting people.” 

Bierschwal and Keusenkothan both emphasize that there is no shame in needing assistance and that the pantry is there to help anyone who needs it. 

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Bierschwal said. “Everybody needs help sometime in their life and we’re here to help you. So don’t be ashamed because you need extra help. You need food or help with your utilities or whatever it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” 

For more information on The Catholic Social Ministry Food Pantry visit their Facebook page.