Eastridge Community Church had a mission to pack the food pantries of Newton County, and its members went out and bought enough food to fill 232 boxes.

Macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, snack bars, canned vegetables and fruit, crackers, instant mashed potatoes and several other items were collected and donated to local charities, including Willing Helpers Food Pantry at Solid Rock Baptist Church and the Salvation Army’s pantry.

In addition, some of the food will be given out on a regular basis at a mobile home park on Ga. Highway 142 near the church and at Trailblazer Park on Clark Street in conjunction with a food ministry operated by Journey Church on Monticello Street, according to Linda Miller, director of missions and outreach for Eastridge.

The "PACK the Pantry" idea originated with member Lisa Herring, who wanted to bring the church body together through a mission project that would make a difference in the lives of local youths, who often go hungry during the summer without the sustenance provided by school meals.

For more information about this or other mission projects, contact the church at 770-786-2048, eastridgefamily.org or 863 Ga. Highway 142 East, Covington, 30014.