Calvert Memorial Presbyterian Church for Bread of Life Food Pantry

Bread of Life Food Pantry in Etna seeks to bring a measure of love and peace through sharing the blessed food and other resources with those who are in need. We see in our neighbors the face of God and act with resolve to insure that the basic needs of life are met. Our Goals are to: 1) Improve food security, 2) Utilize the local food system, 3) Improve nutritional health and wellness, 4) Slow the waste of foodstuffs and 5) Strengthen the community by improving the quality of life in Etna and the surrounding communities.

We help feed over 140 families each month in the Etna, and Shaler communities. We serve families that have limited incomes. Our families consist of senior citizens, the unemployed, the underemployed, and the disabled. Some families have young children. Many of our shoppers are veterans. The pantry also has seen an influx of immigrants from Latin America and the Middle East who present new challenges to our mission and goals.
We are a somewhat unique pantry because a shopper can walk through the pantry aisles and choose what is best for their family from the items in stock. We do not simply offer a pre-packaged box of food.
Bread of Life relies on members of the community, local businesses and neighboring churches for foodstuff donations and financial assistance. Our finances are limited, as many other people's are, and we need the assistance of the One Day campaign to help us meet our goals of improving the health and wellness of the people we serve.

Testimonials

2026 Pamela K. and Stephen T. - Noblesville IN ..... From reading your Newsletter it is obvious how well you use your resources to provide not only the food, but also activities that support your guests in other ways.

2026 Sasha R.- Sasha sent a note to the pantry. "To everyone at Bread of Life. I am writing this card with a big smile.....I moved here in 2022, at a time of lots of changes for my family, and moving from a two income home to a one income. That meant lots of uncertainty and angst for me. My landlord told me about your program and , oh man WHAT A HELP you have been since my first visit to the food bank. Your support has meant so much. Fast forward to present day, and the boys and I are doing well, and I was able to purchase a small house in Shaler. We move in next month and I wanted to share to say THANK YOU for being such an important part of my "starting" over story and to let you know that what you do is important and meaningful. Thank you for all you do."

2026

Rose K. - When Rose was asked in an house survey what she would change at the pantry she said "Nothing, wonderful is all I can say. Everyone is so kind and I love everyone. I call the produce man the 'Green Grocer' and he calls me the 'Mayor of Sharpsburg'. How about that!"

2025
Thank you to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Etna for what you do and the people that you help. My dad, Denis, is one of those people. I help him shop each month and the selection of food products is absolutely wonderful!! The workers are THE most friendly, helpful people I have ever encountered. All of this has made such a great impact on both of us. We look forward to seeing everyone each month and getting a fresh supply of much needed food items. Thank you again and God bless all of you!
Karen (Denis' daughter)

(Denis will be 94 August 14th, 2026)