Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift Store

OUR MISSION

Front and Center is a place where people may give or receive food, clothing, and nurturing with kindness and grace.

OUR BEGINNINGS

The Eyota Food Pantry was the Silver Award Project of local Girl Scouts in 2017, which saw a need for services and resources for those facing food insecurity. Due to significant community needs and impending high school graduation, the founding group of Girl Scouts began to seek assistance from other groups to continue their vision and mission. In 2020 a group of Eyota clergy and community members responded by incorporating a 501(c)3 non-profit called Front and Center Ministries, Inc., which includes the Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift on Front. In the summer of 2025, to be more transparent, Front and Center created a new logo with the names of our Eyota food pantry and thrift store, that being, Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift Store.

EYOTA FOOD PANTRY

Eyota Food Pantry partners with the Channel One Regional Food Bank and participates in the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food to any participant in need.  Community members, retail partners, and community groups in the greater Eyota area also provide financial support, food, and personal hygiene items. Further support comes through state and federal grants and community foundations. We currently distribute, on average, around 13,000 pounds of food in over 300 household visits monthly.

THRIFT ON FRONT

Our thrift store was established in 2020 to complement and support the food pantry. Community members donate clothing and household items, which are then sold at reasonable prices to the public. All proceeds from the thrift store support the Eyota food pantry operations.

HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION

Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift Store is volunteer driven, maintaining an inclusive and safe place for all participants. The Board of Directors of Front and Center Ministries, Inc. which oversees operations, strive to follow best practices for non-profits, always with an eye toward sustainability. We value our partnerships and take pride in our role in strengthening local individuals, families, schools, businesses and other community groups through collaboration and outreach. Our 30+ volunteers bring energy and positivity to our mission.