Copy of Benzie County Baby Pantry

The Benzie County Baby Pantry is a ministry of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Beulah.  Marilou Schlotterbeck started the baby pantry in June, 2003 in the Parish Hall at St. Philip's Church.  The Benzie County Pantry is one of 46 Baby Pantries in Michigan.  As the program outgrew the Parish Hall a new building was constructed to house the pantry.  The pantry is located in a large building behind St. Philips Church at 825 Beulah Highway (US 31) in Beulah.

 

The pantry serves families with children ages newborn through age 5.  Income is not an issue and no questions are asked of patrons other than proof of their place of residence.  The Benzie County Baby Pantry serves residents of Benzie, Northern Manistee and Southern Grand Traverse Counties.  The Baby Pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

 

The pantry offers formula, baby food, diapers, pull-ups, bibs, wipes, shoes, socks, boots, slippers, clothing, bottles, sippy cups, lotions, shampoos, baby oil, baby powder, sheets, blankets, toys, books and baby equipment (cribs, car seats).  In addition the pantry provides educational material for the parents.  All items are provided free of charge and are collected from the generous donations of local residents.  The pantry operates on an annual budget of approximately $7,000.

 

Other programs offered are Car Seat Checks, a Christmas Party and Toys for Tots, Christmas Stockings for Moms, Resources and Coupons.  

 

The mission statement of the baby pantry is "to mentor, educate and advocate by providing immediate necessary needs and appropriate agency referrals for our infants & young children in a familiar, caring atmosphere".

 

Those who volunteer at the pantry strive to treat all patrons with respect & dignity, to take an active interest in the babys, model kind & caring ways with infants and to interact with parents in ways to improve self-esteem and self-worth.