Bright Spot: Grace, Fairmont

(Submitted by Terri Hanson) -- We are very appreciative of receiving a $500 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Food Ministry Grant in 2025. Over the past several months, we have used this gift to supplement our in-house food pantry with both grocery and personal care items to help meet our neighbor’s overall wellbeing.

Research conducted by Second Harvest Heartland found that Fairmont is one of the top three greater MN communities that are impacted by food insecurity. Indeed, approximately 15% of our population lack reliable access to enough safe, affordable, and nutritious food to live a healthy life. This past year our team has been more involved with cleaning, sorting and assisting with our pantry and being able to connect with some of the people that use the pantry. We have also added a faithful volunteer from our congregation as our food pantry coordinator.

Again, we are very thankful to be able to share Christ’s love in this way.

To financially support SEMN Synod Food Ministry grants for local congregations, visit semnsynod.org/givenow (select “Global Partners” and type “Food Ministry” in the memo.