For over four decades, the heart of our community has been defined by how we show up for one another. The roots of this local care stretch back to 1967, when a dedicated group of area churches banded together to form Southeastern Ecumenical Ministries (SEM). By 1982, they established a central food pantry to directly fight food insecurity in our neighborhoods. 

SEM Food Pantry’s journey has been one of pure resilience. We began humbly in the basement of a local church, later moving to a caretaker's house, and eventually operating out of a temporary church basement when our previous structure was declared uninsurable and torn down. For years, we operated out of Anderson Township. Then, in 2020, we took a monumental leap of faith. 

Seeking a "forever home" that was accessible, spacious, and located on a local bus line to better serve our neighbors, we found a 6,200 square foot building on Beechmont Avenue in Mt. Washington. At the time, the space was an abandoned pool hall and bar. The walls were stripped to the studs, there was no ceiling, the HVAC units were broken, and it had rough concrete floors. In a beautiful display of community spirit, our team raised the necessary funds and used pure volunteer "sweat equity" to completely transform the ruined building into a beautiful, operational facility. We officially opened on August 1, 2020, without shutting down for a single day during the move. 

A Model Built on Choice and Community

Today, SEM is a bustling, all-volunteer operation driven by over 70 neighbors who manage everything from stocking shelves to assisting clients. What truly sets our pantry apart is our commitment to a "dignity and choice" model. We believe that asking for help shouldn't mean losing your voice; our clients shop our shelves just like a standard grocery store, selecting the specific items that meet their families' exact nutritional needs and cultural preferences. 

We turn no one away. To ensure nothing goes to waste, any extra food we have is shared with local senior centers, homeless shelters, and we even make weekly sandwiches to support downtown shelters. We are proud to serve as a vital safety net, but our physical home is now facing its next major hurdle. To keep our doors open and our neighbors safe, our building needs a new roof. 

A Rallying Cry for Residents and Businesses

To raise the $45,000 needed for this critical roof replacement, SEM Food Pantry is looking to rally the entire East Side. We believe that a strong community is built from the ground up, which is why we are inviting every resident, family, and local business neighbor to join us in this facility refresh.

Whether you are a resident looking to give back to the neighborhood you love, or a business owner looking to practice corporate social responsibility, there is a place for you in this circle. We are actively expanding beyond individual contributions to build lasting partnerships with local business neighbors. For our business partners, we are excited to feature your sponsorship in our social media and community signage. For our resident neighbors, your hands-on advocacy and volunteerism are the very lifeblood that keeps our mission moving forward.

How You Can Build with Us

Our upcoming "Roof Over Our Mission" Night on Sunday, August 30th, 2026 (5:00–8:00 PM at the Anderson Center) will be the centerpiece of this push. Tickets are $50 and feature food, a silent auction, and a raffle. It is the perfect opportunity for families, neighbors, and local professionals to come together for an evening of community fun and purpose.

Both residents and businesses can make a tangible, lasting difference by anchoring our fundraising goals at one of these vital participation levels:

Note to our local trades and businesses: If your company specializes in construction, roofing, landscaping, or painting, we welcome equivalent material or labor donations to help brighten and revitalize our real estate to make it more welcoming for our clients!

Scan to Connect, Support, and Serve

We’ve made it easy for every resident and business owner in the Coldstream and greater Anderson/Mt. Washington community to get involved today. Simply scan the QR codes below to find the path that matches your passion!

Thank you for decades of incredible support. Together, as residents and business leaders, let’s keep a roof over our mission and dignity on our shelves.

With gratitude,

Abby Timon

On behalf of the volunteers and families at SEM Food Pantry, we appreciate your support