JoAnn's Pantry started over 30 years ago to honor the life of JoAnn Bartholomew who was a devout follower of Jesus and member at First Church.  In 1987 JoAnn was found murdered near Chapel Hill Mall and the perpetrator was never found.  In the midst of this horrible situation First Church trusted that God can take awful situations to bring about good.  JoAnn's Pantry is proof. 

Currently JoAnn's Pantry provides about 6,000 meals for low-income and struggling families per-year.   It is run by volunteers and every cent donated goes toward the operation of the pantry and the purchasing of food.  

The pantry is open on the last Tuesday and Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except when holidays force a change. When holidays occur the pantry is open the week before the holiday. The pantry is located at 1690 Hillside Terrace, Akron, Ohio 44305. To join the JoAnn's Pantry Serve Team, contact Jim or Lawana Partlow at 234.571.5444 on days we are open.