The city repealed an ordinance that previously restricted the Seventh-Day Baptist Church’s ability to operate its food pantry, enabling the church to continue providing essential assistance to impoverished families.
The city’s decision follows a federal lawsuit filed by the church, culminating in a settlement that makes the temporary allowance of the pantry’s operations permanent.
The Church has provided community support since 2007. For the majority of its existence, the church’s efforts were met with support and encouragement from both city officials and local residents. This collaboration allowed the food ministry to thrive without significant obstacles, even after the church relocated to its current premises within a designated “redevelopment area.”
Redevelopment areas in Daytona Beach are zones identified by the city for improvement projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. Despite the relocation, the church’s food pantry continued its operations without issue until an enforcement action by the city mandated the closure of the pantry.
The pantry operates on the third and fourth Fridays each month, providing canned goods, dry supplies and meat to families facing food insecurity.