In roughly 2015,as an outreach response to the increasing number of food-insecure folks in the Macomb community, First Christian Church converted the marque in front of the church across from the Jail into a food cupboard. When the marque was removed as front steps were refurbished, a larger structure was built as an Eagle Scout project. In the past 10 or more years the church has maintained this honor-system 24/7 food cupboard daily, unique from other food pantries. Mainly the food has been supplied and stocked by church members. Occasionally volunteers from WIU, MHS, & ROYALS assist with stocking shelves. Each day a generous assortment of protein, vegetables, grains, cereals, snacks and quick meals are loaded onto the shelves. Rarely is anything left by the next morning. There have been people reporting that the Cupboard was a God-send and kept them from starving at a low time in their lives.

Though the Cupboard is intended as an Emergency food source, the increasing cost of groceries make it even more difficult for the food-insecure. As the need increases, the expenses of running the Cupboard have also. Although church members contribute monthly with a food/cash collection; and occasionally food is dropped off directly into the Cupboard by community members; it is difficult to provide the average $1000 to $1500 of groceries monthly. Past years local grants have been awarded to supplement costs & have graciously been accepted.

The biggest source of income recently has been the Park Golf Scramble Benefit. On Sat. Sept 20th FCC will host its 2nd annual Park Golf Scramble at Ball Fore to raise awareness & funds for the Cupboard. Many area businesses sponsor the event & donate raffle items including WIU tickets. Pantry foods are collected. Teams of 4 will compete for prizes & learn the game of Park Golf while helping stave off hunger. Lunch is included in the 9:30 to 1:00 event.