Calvary Episcopal Church, Louisville

Food and Clothes Closets

I Am The Bread of Life

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Since 1970, Calvary has been the food arm of the Central Louisville Community Ministries, an ecumenical consortium of downtown churches. Calvary takes very seriously its mission to provide outreach ministries to the people in the immediate neighborhood. Through the generosity of parishioners and friends, Calvary has been at the forefront of responding to the needs of the community.

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The food and clothes ministries are open:

Monday – Thursday  9:30 am – 11:30 am

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The Dorothy Jones Food Closet

Clientele of the Food Closet may request a bag of food staples once a month, with proof of identification.  In the last year, Costco became a partner with Calvary receiving day-old bread products. Calvary’s “Lay Weeders” have also assisted the Food Closet ministry by making fresh vegetables available when in season.

New Roots Partnership

This year, Calvary has partnered with New Roots, a non-profit that works to bring fresh produce to urban “food deserts.” Neighbors can sign-up for a weekly share of locally-sourced produce based on a sliding-scale of household income,  On Wednesday evening, they come to Calvary’s parking lot to distribute shares to members.  Calvary has “bought in” to New Roots to supplement the fresh offerings of the Food Closet which will be available on Thursdays during the Food Closet hours of operation. 

Millie Cary Clothes Closet

The Calvary Clothes Closet, founded in 1994 by Millie Cary and others, continues to serve those who need clothing.  Clothing donations come from everywhere; Calvary parishioners, members of other churches, and others who hear about our project all bring in clothing. In recent years, Calvary has partnered with Margaret’s Consignment Shop as a distribution point for unsold clothing. Calvary’s Clothes Closet is indeed a flourishing ministry for those in need in our neighborhood. Keep the donations coming, especially WARM CLOTHING.

Abby’s Library 

Abby’s Library was started by parishioner Stephanie Smith, in memory of her niece Abby who died of cancer at the age of 27.  Abby loved to read and was the daughter of children’s librarians.  While Stephanie was volunteering in schools in the West End, she became aware of how few children of needy families have books in their homes.  The library is intended to serve the children of the families who come to our food and clothes closets. Stephanie started providing books and now others bring in books as well.