Central Food Ministry  
About Us

OUR HISTORY

The Central Food Ministry, Inc. was established in 1994 through the joint effort of a group of Lowell businessmen and the Lutheran Church of the Savior (LCS). LCS is an established Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Bedford, Massachusetts. Members of LCS were searching for a hands-on social ministry opportunity. They became aware of a pantry in Lowell that was on the verge of closing and, together with several local businessmen; a new non-profit corporation was formed under the name of Central Food Ministry, Inc. (CFM). The charter of CFM is to provide food and hope to the economically distressed in Lowell and surrounding communities in Middlesex county. 

Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts and does not have a Lutheran Church. The Church of The Savior is thirteen miles away in Bedford and volunteers from LCS as well as local area Lutheran churches and others from the community staff the pantry. CFM strives to create an atmosphere of hope and encouragement. The volunteers are guided by 1 Corinthians 13:3. They witness to the clients by being cheerful, loving, caring, and encouraging. There are Bibles and Christian materials available for the clients in the reception area.
 
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The volunteer staff has grown from about 20 volunteers to over 100 who currently work at the pantry each year serving approximately 1500 families, an increase from 20-30 families per week in the first year. Children comprise 40-50% of the people served by CFM. During the holidays, turkeys with all the "fixings" are handed out to the clients. In December a Christ-centered Christmas Party is held for approximately 250 children. At the end of party, each child receives a gift that has been donated by members and friends of the LCS congregation.

In 1998, the church, with the help of the New England District-LCMS, purchased a van which has expedited the supplying of food. The van enabled CFM to expand its food program by allowing clients to return for food after sixty days instead of ninety days.

In 1999, LCS purchased a building in Lowell to house an expanded CFM mission program. In October of that year, CFM moved from cramped quarters to this larger facility and began to offer an expanded food/clothing program, and added the ability to conduct Bible study and worship services.

In September of 1999, LCS extended a Call to Tony Luna to be Lay Minister of Missions at LCS. Tony accepted the call and began work in March of 2000. Tony was named the Director of Central Food Ministries by the CFM Board of Trustees and oversees its daily operations as well as evangelistic outreach. He served in that capacity until June 2007.

In 2000, CFM dedicated its new building where they are now able to support the physical needs of their clients and to offer an after-school program for area children.

In 2002, a warehouse was added to the back of the new building which has enabled the mission to collect and store greater amounts of food and clothing. This, in turn, allows them to better meet the physical needs of their clients.

Another improvement took place in 2003, when the entire roof was replaced as a result of donations from individuals and a special one-time grant from the Parker Foundation.

Since 2003 CFM has replaced the van, purchased additional refrigeration equipment and improved its physical plant due to financial  assistance it has received from generous donors plus the success of its annual golf tournament.

In October 2007, CFM hired its first employee, part-time Director, Jude DeHart who oversees daily operations. If you wish to join the mission effort of the Central Food Ministry in Lowell, please contact Jude DeHart at 978-453-4920.