Food Pantry

The Center has a client-choice food pantry that allows our guests to shop and select the food items they want. The Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Guests may visit the Food Pantry three times each month. Volunteers stock shelves, help guests with shopping, bag groceries and provide a listening ear to those who need it.

It appears that for a third consecutive year our pantry will serve over 14,500 of our neighbors, OVER 100 tons of food will be distributed this year.  Sign up to become a volunteer!

Friday Backpack Program - Weekend meals supported/provided by Cultivate!

Weekend food is provided to students in the Wa-Nee School system who would otherwise be at risk for food security. Six frozen meals from Cultivate food rescue are delivered to the schools in insulated backpacks for students to take home and then return the backpack. FCDC is proud to partner with Cultivate and appreciates the volunteers who help pack and deliver the backpacks to students.

Summer Lunch Program

During the months of June and July, sack lunches are available for children at various sites in Nappanee and Wakarusa. Volunteers and staff pack and distribute lunches for any Wa-Nee child who wants or needs a noon meal during the summer.  

In 2024, we served 1836 lunches and 2359 in the summer of 2025. Partnering with the City of Nappanee, Bible Baptist Church and the management of Countryside Estates. It is our hope that we will be able to add two more sites in the coming year.

Holiday Help

Thanksgiving - Food pantry guests are provided with a turkey and the trimmings at Thanksgiving.  FCDC gives out approx 220 meals each Thanksgiving holiday as we partner with NorthWood MS students as well as the USDA.

Christmas Jubilee - Families in the Wa-Nee community who would have a difficult time providing Christmas gifts for their children are able to take advantage of Christmas Jubilee – distribution for Nappanee and Wakarusa.  Parents shop for toys, coats, mittens, scarves, & blankets for their children.  Please note:  Parents must register for the Christmas Jubilee in order to shop for their children.

*All services and programs provided by The Center are for residents of The WaNee Community School District - Nappanee and Wakarusa.