Providence Food Pantry receives $20,000 grant
A grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation could not have come at a better time for Providence Food Pantry.
Sister Maureen Fallon, SP, director of the pantry, applied for and received the $20,000 grant for items pantry clients specifically need: food.
“That is a lot of money,” Sister Maureen said. “It truly was an answer to a prayer.”
In early September, Sister Maureen applied for the grant and recently learned the pantry would be receiving it soon. Sister Maureen said the money will be used specifically for high protein items such as milk, eggs, meat, chicken and more.
“The number of people in our lines have increased,” Sister Maureen said. “And food prices are up.”
A Change in Numbers
Sister Maureen said the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act contributed to the need for additional food. Prior to the passing of the bill, approximately 30 percent of the pantry’s items came courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
During the pantry’s fiscal year of September 2025 to August 2026, it received 132,927 pounds of food from the USDA. From fiscal year September 2024 to August 25, however, it received 163,063 pounds of food from the department.
The food pantry also receives items from many other locations, including Catholic Charities, through donations, the national organization Feeding America allowing donations from Aldi, Kroger and Fresh Thyme in Terre Haute and the Dollar General in West Terre Haute.
More Need of Protein
But with the increased costs of so many varieties of food, Sister Maureen said there was a need for money for more food.
“People need more protein instead of (pasta),” she said, “so their brain can work. And we’ve been aiming to get more higher protein items for Providence Housing Corporation (in West Terre Haute) and the Pomeroy Food Pantry (provided by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for students).”
She added the grant money will provide approximately six weeks of food as many head into the holiday season.
Just this year, Sister Maureen said the pantry has received additional grants from the United Way of the Wabash Valley Bridging the Gap as well as the Foley Fund from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.
“This is a great way to provide something for everyone,” Sister Maureen said. “We want to have food for all. You really see a difference when people come to the pantry. They’re filled with hope that people care.”
