About Us
Our Mission
The Christian mission of the Geneseo Food Pantry is to provide food, clothing and short-term emergency assistance for families and individuals residing in Geneseo (61254) or Atkinson (61235) zip code areas.
This Christian mission includes responding to local needs and assisting in the development and maintenance of individuals and families to enable them to be functional, effective and healthy.
Spiritual needs will be recognized and addressed in cooperation with the Geneseo Ministerial Association (GMA).
Our History
- Established as community ministry at Grace United Methodist Church in January, 1982
- Moved to First Presbyterian Church in August, 1983
- Moved to current facility, purchased by the Geneseo Ministerial Association in May, 1989
- Current building occupants in addition to the Geneseo Food Pantry include:
- Children's Therapy Center, Outreach Office
- University of Illinois Extension Office Representative
Our Board
Officers:
Fr. Michael Pakula, St. Malachy Catholic Church — President
Linda Henry, Concordia Lutheran Church — Vice President
Greg Bodeen, Grace United Methodist Church — Treasurer
Board Members:
Don Meier, First Congregational Church
Cindy Tiedeman, St. Malachy Catholic Church
Erica Venema, Geneseo Evangelical Free Church
Mike Pries, First Lutheran Church
Karen Cooprider, First United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, First United Methodist Church
Barb Roberts, St. Peter’s Evangelical Community Church
Louise Wildemuth, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
Doris Schram, Loraine United Methodist Church
John Schang, First Presbyterian Church
Staff
Jolynn Kitterman — Director
Jolynn has been employed at the Food Pantry since August 2001. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Colona. They have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. In her spare time Jolynn likes to flower garden, read, and swim. She also volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
