Feeding Harbor Country: Nourishing Our Neighbors in Body and Spirit

At Water’s Edge United Methodist Church, our mission is simple: Connect God and People wherever they are. Through Feeding Harbor Country, we bring that mission to life by ensuring no one in New Buffalo or the surrounding Harbor Country area goes hungry.

This community-wide initiative supports three vital programs — Bridge the Gap, Blessings in a Backpack, and The Gathering — each addressing food insecurity in a different way but all driven by the same purpose: to feed our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and hope.

Bridge the Gap: Always Open, Always Here to Help

Bridge the Gap is our expanding food pantry ministry, designed to make sure no one goes without access to basic food and personal care items. Located outside Water’s Edge UMC, our outdoor pantry is open 24 hours a day, six days a week and stocked daily with non-perishable food and toiletries.

There’s no registration, no forms, and no questions asked — only open access built on trust and dignity. Whether someone is between paychecks, facing an emergency, or struggling to make ends meet, they’re welcome to take what they need, whenever they need it.

As community needs grow, Bridge the Gap is growing too — increasing inventory through local partnerships, providing supplemental food boxes for families, and offering additional support for individuals facing hunger. It exists to fill the need quietly, consistently, and compassionately.

Blessings in a Backpack: Feeding Students All Weekend Long

For over 14 years, Blessings in a Backpack has provided reliable weekend meals for New Buffalo students who may face hunger outside of school hours. What began at the elementary school has expanded to serve Elementary, Middle, and High School students, ensuring every child has access to food all week long.

Each Friday, students discreetly receive a weekend food bag filled with kid-friendly, nutritious items to take home. In addition, the program provides snacks for teachers, staff, and counselors to share with students who come to school hungry or without food.

By providing weekend meals and in-school snacks, Blessings in a Backpack supports both physical nourishment and academic success — ensuring hunger doesn’t stand in the way of a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Gathering: A Table for Everyone

Every Wednesday evening, our church becomes a community dining room for The Gathering — a free weekly meal created for anyone in need of food, friendship, or both. Guests enjoy a freshly prepared, home-cooked dinner that includes a main course, vegetables, dessert, and more.

There’s no sign-up, no cost, and no requirements — just a place to be fed, welcomed, and known. For many, The Gathering is a source of nourishment, connection, and belonging in the middle of a challenging week.

This program is made possible through the generosity of The Pokagon Fund, Neighbor by Neighbor, Harbert Community Church, and many other local partners and volunteers who help make Harbor Country a stronger, more caring community.

Join Us in Feeding Harbor Country

Your gift to Feeding Harbor Country directly supports these three programs — Bridge the Gap, Blessings in a Backpack, and The Gathering — providing food for families, children, and individuals throughout our community.

Together, we can ensure that every neighbor has a place at the table and that no one in Harbor Country goes hungry.