In April of 2024, the Mercy Associates took a field trip to learn about Love All Pantry, the largest food bank in Mobile. They learned how 60 to 80 volunteers of Love All Pantry distribute over 25,000 pounds of groceries to 650 low-income families every Tuesday. Each family receives approximately 35 pounds of nutritious foods including frozen meat, fresh produce, grains, canned goods and bakery items.

Fueled by the inspiring work of this ministry, Mercy Associates and Pantry Volunteers Mark Moberg and Cecilia Mace joined forces with Love All Pantry Founder and Director Connie Guggenbiller to craft their Claire May Grant application.

The Claire May Grant was established through the endowment of Claire May, a devoted Mercy Associate from Connecticut who passed away in 2020. Her vision established a legacy serving the materially poor and expanding informative prayer experiences. The Mercy Associates of Connecticut administer the Ministry Fund for the support of existing ministries serving the materially poor, to help launch new ministries for those in need, and to provide prayer experiences that rejuvenate those who serve and those who are served. Grants range from 100 to 2,000 dollars.

Love All Pantry’s compelling mission to serve hungry and food-insecure individuals without judgement and with compassion resulted in the full $2,000 grant award to help defray transportation costs. For more information on the program or to donate or volunteer, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b4ff38db/noQ0H2wOckmk-NpagFYYKw?u=https://www.loveallpantry.org/.

Mercy Associates make a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy as partners in prayer, community and ministry. Associates join with sisters in prayer and solidarity to promote works of justice and charity with people who are marginalized. If you are interested in learning more about the Mercy Association, please visit mercyassociation.org/

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured in the front of Love All Pantry volunteers, the front row from left are Pauline Hunter, Connie Guggenbiller, Cecilia Mace and Mark Moberg gratefully holding the Claire May Grant presentation check for $2,000. The Grant established a legacy for serving the materially poor and expanding informative prayer experiences.