Yecenia Figueroa of Denver, Pennsylvania, was facing financial hardship and searching for ways to provide for her husband and two sons. After researching local food pantries, she discovered CrossNet Ministries’ website and reached out for assistance.
The staff immediately welcomed her with warmth and compassion, providing not only food, but encouragement and a sense of dignity. Yecenia was able to keep meals on the table for her family during a challenging time. CrossNet helped meet her family’s needs and reminded them they were not alone — one meal at a time.
“It’s such a huge help when I’m not sure of the next time I can provide for my kids,” said Yecenia.
Located in eastern Lancaster County, CrossNet Ministries provides access to food and promotes education and healthy living to individuals of all ages in the community. Earlier this year, the organization received a WellSpan Inspire Grant to support the expansion of its services to a new warehouse space – the Food and Nutrition Center. This addition, which opened in September, includes a full commercial kitchen for educational classes and a food pantry designed like a grocery store.
In 2024, WellSpan invested more than $1.5 million to improve access to food in local communities.
“No one should go hungry,” said Julia Kint, community grants program administrator at WellSpan. “The need for food assistance has increased over the past few years – we’re seeing it across our entire footprint. WellSpan is always looking to "Find a Better Way,” so we continue focusing on hunger in the community as a top priority in our grants program. This grant is a testament to that and we’re proud to help the organization adapt to their needs while serving the community in an empowering way.”
Community members donate more than 10,000 pounds of food to the nonprofit each month, with an average of 42 families served each week.
“Our goal is to allow participants to feel more confident and have more choices while shopping at the updated pantry,” said Carl Edwards, executive director of CrossNet Ministries. “The extra space allows us to accommodate more families at one time and offer longer hours.”
In August 2023, the Eastern Lancaster County School District reported that 50% of students live below the poverty line and qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. CrossNet Ministries aims to decrease these numbers by offering a variety of programs to the community, including the Free Summer Lunch, Buddy Bag and CrossNet Meal Packs programs, which serve local students and their families.
Yecenia and her family have participated in many of these programs and are grateful for the endless support of the nonprofit.
“I love this food pantry because it allows you to choose the food you need at home and the amount as well – so you know it won’t be wasted,” Yecenia said. “The staff there goes above and beyond for my family. When someone doesn’t have access to resources or any support available to them, CrossNet is willing to step up and help. It’s truly a blessing having them in this community.”
Added Carl, “It can be hard for individuals to humble themselves and say they need help with these resources. We’re hoping to empower and provide sustainability back to those who are struggling. We’re so excited to help more people through WellSpan’s grant – we can really affect change in other areas of individuals’ lives. There’s a need for these programs in the community and we want to lean into these needs and help however we can.”
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