By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Faith Walk Ministries in Luverne is preparing to fill stomachs and hearts with nourishment and hope through its latest camp stew fundraiser, set for Jan. 31. Advanced orders are already sold out, indicating strong community support for the ministry’s mission of meeting physical and spiritual needs.

Each month, Faith Walk’s food pantry opens its doors to those in need, offering not only groceries but also kindness, compassion and a sense of belonging. Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly toward supporting this vital outreach, ensuring that families in Crenshaw County have access to essential food items, reinforcing the ministry’s goal of feeding both the body and the spirit.

“It’s about feeding our community,” said Conrad Carriker of Brantley, a member of Faith Walk. “It’s about building relationships, sharing God’s love, and offering a beacon of hope. Every quart sold helps fund our food pantry, which provides essential groceries to those in need. By purchasing a quart — or more — for just $13, the community ensures we can continue this mission. We appreciate everyone coming together year after year to make sure no one in our area goes hungry.”

Jesse Bell, a deacon at Faith Walk Ministries, emphasized that the camp stew fundraisers held multiple times each year help the church purchase food from the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. The organization works with over 200 food pantries, soup kitchens and other community programs across 12 counties in Alabama’s River Region, providing a variety of essential food items. Faith Walk and other ministries can purchase food from The Heart of Alabama Food Bank at reduced prices, with proceeds helping to cover transportation and storage costs, ensuring fresh food reaches those in need.

“We are able to get these fresh foods at no charge, other than the fuel and transportation cost to go get it,” Bell explained. “The people we serve really enjoy getting the extra help, but not as much as we enjoy being able to give the food away. “You don’t have to be down to nothing in your cabinets to receive free food. Nor do you even have to have cabinets to put it in. We serve the homeless right here in Crenshaw County, Alabama. We also deliver to people who are unable to leave their homes due to health issues. We have such a wonderful group of people who love to serve.”

According to Outreach Ministry Leader Levon McVay, the camp stew sales, which take place three to four times per year, are crucial in sustaining Faith Walk’s food pantry. McVay said that this year’s fundraiser will see around 200 quarts of camp stew prepared.

“We do camp stew during the cold months starting in October and keep the sales going till about February or March,” McVay said. “On occasion, we do have some extras when folks who asked us to put a quart aside can’t make it, but once it’s gone, we won’t be making more until around October. 

“We would love to take donations to help support it—it’s been a blessing to get to be part of this ministry. I have been doing this for around 25 years. We went from doing about seven families to over 125 now. We thank you all for supporting our food ministries, and God bless.”

For those hoping to snag any last-minute extras, McVay suggests checking in person Friday at 153 Jeffcoat Street in Luverne or reaching out via social media.

In addition to the camp stew fundraiser, Faith Walk Ministries is expanding its outreach efforts with the upcoming opening of a thrift store in the former daycare building behind the church. Donations of both food and household items are welcome, and the thrift store’s proceeds will further support the food pantry’s mission.

The Faith Walk food pantry opens its doors every third Saturday, providing consistent access to groceries for those facing hardship. For more information about the ministry, including church services and volunteer opportunities, visit Faith Walk Ministries’ official Facebook page.

Monetary donations for Faith Walk’s food ministry can be mailed to 153 Jeffcoat St. Luverne, Alabama 36009. Please specify “food pantry” on checks.