The Winn Community Food Pantry (located at 302 S. Beville St.) has served nearly 3,000 bags of groceries so far this year, but leaders say the rising need is beginning to outpace donations and the pantry will have to tighten how it distributes food.
In a recent update to the North Central Baptist Association, pantry treasurer Jan Beville shared the pantry provided 2,918 bags of groceries from January through September 2025, 378 more than in the same period last year. To meet that increase, the pantry spent $54,628 on food during those nine months, while donations totaled $50,963.01.
“For the first time in many years, our bank balance is extremely low and we are operating almost ‘week to week,’” Beville said.
Because of that, the pantry plans to return to its pre-COVID screening process. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the pantry relaxed requirements and allowed anyone who came for help to receive a bag of groceries without providing proof of income. Beville says the goal now is to continue serving people in need while being careful with funds.
The pantry is supported by a wide network in Winn Parish: 18 churches, the North Central Baptist Association, Sunday school and mission groups, four local businesses, school clubs, civic and professional organizations, Bible school offerings, Winn Parish 4-H and local grocery stores through discounts and holiday food drives. The pantry also receives memorial and honor gifts, along with canned goods, but does not receive any government funding.
The pantry’s day-to-day work is carried out by 32 volunteers from at least 15 churches across Winn Parish. They pack bags during the week, prepare the space on Wednesdays and hand out food each Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Winnfield. An 11-member board, made up of representatives from eight churches, oversees the ministry periodically over the course of the year.
Families may receive food once every four weeks, and larger households with three or more school-age children may receive two bags.
“We are grateful for the support we receive,” Beville expressed, inviting supporters to visit any Thursday between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. to see the pantry in action.