The Pentecostals’ tradition is built on feeding people

May 28, 2025

The Food Bank of Delaware’s network of partner agencies is the boots on the ground helping to meet the needs of the community. 

Tucked just west of Dover, there’s a church doing something pretty special. The Pentecostals, led by the ever-creative Patricia Lawrence, operate a food pantry that’s more than just shelves and cans—it’s a place of dignity, choice, and care.

Lawrence and a team of volunteers have built a system that really listens to what people need. Instead of lining up and taking whatever’s handed out, families call in to book private appointments. They are able to come in every other week and get to pick from a shopping list that’s always changing based on what’s in stock. The bigger the family, the more they can take.

But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality and comfort. “People don’t want to take just anything,” Lawrence says. Volunteers even prepare taste-test samples for unfamiliar foods. If someone likes it, they get a recipe kit to take home. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, and neighbors appreciate the extra effort.

Of course, things haven’t been easy. Recent government cuts hit hard, so the church launched a “Pack the Pantry” drive back in February—and they haven’t stopped since. The community has stepped up in a big way, contributing more than food. Items such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, and baby products are always needed.

And they’re not stopping at the pantry. Church members also put together Blessing Bags—snack packs for homeless neighbors. They don’t go into encampments, but sometimes they team up with local police to get the bags where they’re needed most.

There’s a deep-rooted spirit of giving here in this pastoral setting. As Lawrence puts it, “The DNA is here. We have to take care of people, show them love.” That legacy started with founding pastor Trout, and it’s still going strong.”