Faith Church Selma's food pantry adds option for families in need

Faith Community Outreach is working to ease food insecurity in the Black Belt with a twice monthly food pantry that offers families a dependable place to turn when groceries run short. 

Outreach Director Tonia Lewis said the onsite pantry at Faith Church Selma that started in February 2025 has become an important resource for residents who need a little help making ends meet.

The pantry operates on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Visits are by appointment so Lewis can make sure supplies stretch far enough to serve everyone who signs up. The pantry is located at Faith Church Selma at 4846 US Highway 80 West.

Lewis said the pantry keeps a steady supply of canned vegetables, fruits, rice, macaroni and other non-perishable items. She also tries to keep the freezers stocked with meat when possible. 

Faith Church has operated in Selma for 17 years, and its outreach ministry has been active for nearly five. Lewis said the church has long been involved in community support even if it has not always been visible. She oversees the outreach ministry under the church’s nonprofit arm and said the goal is simple: meet as many needs as they can with the resources they have.

When people arrive for their appointment, they can park and come inside the church. Lewis schedules visits with a 15-minute window between each one so families have privacy and do not feel crowded. Sometimes she offers coffee or small refreshments depending on how busy the morning is.

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Most of the pantry’s food is purchased from the Selma Area Food Bank and Walmart, but donations are welcome. Lewis said they accept non expired food items as well as monetary contributions. 

“There is a great need,” she said, adding that she and others often reach into their own pockets to keep the pantry going. “We may not be able to meet every need, but we can meet what we can meet.”

Updates about pantry days are posted on Facebook. Residents can follow Lewis on her personal page under the name Tonia Lewis or visit the church’s page, Faith Church Anywhere.

Lewis said she wants the community to know that Faith Church is another resource for families who need help. She welcomes anyone who wants to donate, volunteer or simply visit the site to see the work being done.

For appointments, donations or more information, Lewis can be reached at (334) 431-2411 or by email at tlcustomstrategicsolutions.org.