The Community Cupboard at Jesse Lee

Since 2021, Jesse Lee is home to a “Give and Take” food pantry.  It is located under the bridge connecting the church building with Wesley Manor (see campus map at the bottom of this page for the exact location).

The Community Cupboard makes donated, non-perishable food items available for those in our community facing food insecurity.  

The Inspiration

During the pandemic, 11-year-old Ruby Weiner and her mom brought food to the mini food pantry outside St. Stephen’s Church.  When passing by the next day, it was again empty. Ruby asked her mom why.  Mom explained times were hard and people took the food when they needed it.

Ruby applied for, and received, a $500 grant from Sodexo to add additional Community Cupboards around town. She contacted Clark Construction to see if they would build them. They both built and installed five more pantries, for free.

Why Jesse Lee?

Ruby’s passion inspired Steven Medearis, a member of Jesse Lee.  He led the effort to have a Community Cupboard installed at Jesse Lee.  “Seeing an 11-year-old girl make such a difference in the lives of others made us want to join her efforts,” explained Medearis. “We hope Ridgefielders will join in the Community Cupboard ‘Give and Take’ pantry so we can make things a little easier as we all work through the challenges of life during a pandemic.” 

The pantry is dedicated to Ron Lee, Mr. Medearis’s step-father. Mr. Lee was a Methodist minister for 55 years who dedicated his life to helping others. 

How to Help

The Cupboard continues to be important. If you want to donate, the following items are appreciated:

• apple sauce
• jelly
• peanut butter
• beans, dry or can
• mac and cheese
• rice
• cake and cookie mixes
• meals in a can
• soup, can or box
• canned tuna, chicken, ham
• oatmeal
• taco meals
• condiments
• pasta
• tomato sauce
• crackers
• pasta/Alfredo sauce

No fresh foods of any kind can be accepted.  Check all expiration dates before donating.   

Questions?

Call 203.438.8791 or email info@jesseleechurch.com for more information.