This program meets one of the most basic needs for people in the community, hunger.

Programs of the Hunger Ministries:

Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry

The Hershel "Buck" Buchanan Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry

1206 South Murray Avenue, Anderson

The Gospels tell the story of Christ using two fish and five loaves of bread to feed the 5,000. This image is reflected in AIM’s ministry of "Fishes & Loaves." We began by opening a small food bank in April of 1997 to provide non-perishable food items to the less fortunate of our community. Early in 2004 our pantry operation was expanded when we moved into our current home in a large warehouse facility next door to the original location. This expansion made it possible for us to better serve the community. We now have the capacity to accept perishable as well as non-perishable food items, no matter the size of the donation.

Food Pantry Hours

Monday – Friday

9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, we assist an average of 40 families each morning.

Second Tuesday Each Month 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

By appointment only for pre-approved persons whose daily medical, work or school hours conflict with our hours of service.

The following items may be needed in order for us to properly document your visit:

o VALID Photo ID

o Social Security Card for each household member

o Verification of residency (utility bill)

AIM is a member of Golden Harvest Food Bank, a certified member of Feeding America.

Community Connections

This program began at AIM in April 2005 as a way to help senior food pantry clients whose physical limitations or transportation issues make it difficult for them to come for the food assistance that they need. AIM Staff identifies, then interviews potential participants during a home visit to determine if they qualify for the Community Connections program. Once approved, then they are matched with a volunteer who will deliver them a monthly package including USDA commodities and donated food items.

The goal of this program is to outreach to these seniors and disabled clients, by not only delivering food to them each month, but by also taking some of their needs back to their church family -- things such as mowing their lawn and remembering their birthday. Also, they may need help doing simple things around their homes that help them maintain their independence and remain in their homes. For instance, they may just need a light bulb replaced or new batteries in their smoke detectors and their volunteer can help them. They may even need assistance with a high utility bill through our Emergency Assistance Program. Community Connections volunteers will make the coordinator aware of any need that comes to their attention and AIM will either assist them with the need or make the appropriate agency referral.

Manna Food Distribution

Manna Food Distributions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the sponsoring church or organization. For more information, please contact Angela Shaw at angie.shaw@aimcharity.org or (864) 965-9077

Pet Food Distribution

Held on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at 9 a.m. at the food pantry. You must visit the food pantry to get a Pet Food Pass before receiving pet food for the first time.

THE HUNGER MINISTRIES OF AIM

fighting hunger & feeding hope for the hungry

Our CHILDREN'S Hunger Ministry

SUMMER FOOD 4 KIDS

During the summer months children in subsidized housing areas do not have the same access to food as they do during the school year. Many schools offer these children free or reduced price breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. This lack of access to food can strain already tight household budgets in these locations. Given the existence of federally funded weekday feeding programs, we designed our program to focus on providing children with food for the weekend.

← See more...CLICK THE PHOTO to enlarge it.

Our ORIGINAL Hunger Ministry

THE HERSHEL 'BUCK' BUCHANAN

FISHES & LOAVES FOOD PANTRY

fishesandloaves The Gospels tell the story of Christ using two fish and five loaves of bread to feed the 5,000. This image is reflected in AIM’s ministry of "Fishes & Loaves." We began by opening a small food bank in April of 1997 to provide non-perishable food to the less fortunate of our community.

Service Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00a-11:30a Location: 1206 S. Murray Ave., Anderson

Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, we assist an average of 40 families each morning. We also offer one afternoon service day each month, by appointment for pre-authorized persons only, who have verifiable work schedules or medical conditions that prevent them from visiting during standard operating hours. The following items may be needed in order for us to properly document your visit:

A VALID PHOTO ID
SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD MEMBER
UTILITY BILL OR OTHER MAIL TO VERIFY ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE

Our SENIORS Hunger Ministry

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

communityconnections This program began at AIM in April 2005 as a way to help senior food pantry clients whose physical limitations or transportation issues make it difficult for them to come for the food assistance that they need. AIM Staff identifies, then interviews potential participants during a home visit to determine if they qualify for the Community Connections program. Once approved, then they are matched with a volunteer who will deliver them a monthly package including USDA commodities and donated food items. The goal of this program is to outreach to these seniors and disabled clients, by not only delivering food to them each month, but by also taking some of their needs back to their church family -- things such as mowing their lawn and remembering their birthday. Also, they may need help doing simple things around their homes that help them maintain their independence and remain in their homes. For instance, they may just need a light bulb replaced or new batteries in their smoke detectors and their volunteer can help them. They may even need assistance with a high utility bill through our Emergency Assistance Program. Community Connections volunteers will make the coordinator aware of any need that comes to their attention and AIM will either assist them with the need or make the appropriate agency referral.

Our MASS MOBILE Hunger Ministry

MANNA FOOD DISTRIBUTION

manna These mass food distributions are held on the second Saturday of at least eight months of the year. Groups sponsoring these events cover the minimal cost of the 5,000 pounds (or more) of food that arrives on a truck from Golden Harvest Food Bank on the morning of the distribution. They also provide a location and volunteers to prepare and distribute the food to those who come out to receive a portion of it for their households.

The location of each event will vary depending upon the sponsoring church or organization, and is publicized several weeks in advance.

For more Hunger Ministries information, contact:

Ammon Palmer at ammon.palmer@aimcharity.org

Angela Shaw at angie.shaw@aimcharity.org

Floyd Hill at floyd.hill@aimcharity.org

AIM is a member of Golden Harvest Food Bank,

a certified member of Feeding America.

A Thank You Note

handwrittennote

This note was sent to us from a client who needed an emergency package.

Stories like this one are a small part of why we exist. To provide hope to those in need.

"Hi to all who make the food pantry possible:
My name is Robin & I want to thank and acknowledge you to administration for helping me. I never thought I would be down to popcorn soup and H--- with a 7 yr. old & myself to feed with NO money. I needed help and found it with you. I arrived after hrs friday, but was given an emergency package. To my amazement I was treated graciously with kindness & Christ directed encouragement. Please know not only did I leave with food to fill my belly but just as importantlly nourishment for my soul.

Thank you with all my heart."

Summer Food 4 Kids