Mutual Aid: Lydia’s Pantry

Written By Genie Ombach

Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte was founded in 2015 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina to be a hub for the community — a place where neighbors could find connection, support, and a helping hand. Early on, Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes) began operating a food pantry at Galilee two days a week.

In December 2023, the Galilee team started noticing more and more neighbors were coming to their doors looking for food on the days the Nourish Up pantry wasn't open. The emergency groceries they pulled together to fill that gap grew into Lydia's Pantry.

Unfortunately, the need hasn’t leveled off. Reductions in SNAP benefits, rising food prices paired with job losses among many immigrant families due to ICE activity, have pushed more people into real food insecurity. In July alone, Lydia's Pantry provided food for 323 people — most of them immigrants simply trying to keep their households fed during an incredibly hard season. Between January – July 2026 Lydia’s Pantry fed approximately 2,000 people. Keeping the shelves stocked to meet this growing need is an ongoing challenge.

ITEMS NEEDED

  • Canned beans

  • Dry beans

  • Canned tuna

  • Canned chicken

  • Peanut butter

  • Canned vegetables

  • Soup

  • Canned fruit

  • Fruit cups

  • Cereal (dry)

  • Hot cereal (oatmeal/grits)

  • Rice (1-pound bags)

  • Pasta/noodles

  • Canned pasta (e.g., ravioli, Spaghetti O’s)

  • Pasta sauce

  • Diced tomatoes

  • Shelf stable milk

  • Peanut butter or cheese crackers

  • Plain crackers (sleeve)

  • Granola bars/breakfast bars

  • Paper towels

  • Toilet paper

  • Lydia’s Pantry also provides baby diapers (all sizes), personal hygiene products (toothbrush/paste, soap, shampoo, etc), and basic household cleaning supplies (dish soap, laundry detergent, disinfecting wipes)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Order from the Lydia’s Pantry via Amazon Wishlist

  • Deliver items to Galilee at 3601 Central Avenue, Monday-Thursday 10 am–4 pm.

  • Call ahead on Friday: 704-900-5210

  • Order from Instacart. Be sure to indicate that delivery should be made to the building connected to the church by a breezeway. Monday-Thursday 10 am–4 pm.

  • Financial donations can be sent to 3601 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205. Be sure to put Lydia’s Pantry in the memo line.

  • You can also make donation through the Galilee website

Genie Ombach
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