In 2001, Ruth and Manny Martinez saw a need in Teller County and opened a one-room food bank in the church they attended. It began as members of the church providing for other members facing food insecurity. In 2003, the ministry changed its name and broadened its outreach as it became the Little Chapel Food Pantry. Ruth and Manny passed the mantle to another couple, who managed it for about 6 months, and then turned it over to Ken and Judi Hesselberg who have been managing the food pantry for 20 years.
Beginning as a one-room, one hour a week endeavor, it has grown into a massive 3,360 square foot, bi-weekly, three hour non-stop operation requiring 239 volunteer hours at each distribution.
All of this because we love our neighbors and want no more empty plates in Teller County.