Our Story

For nearly 50 years, Ministries Unlimited has been faithfully serving neighbors in need through the generosity, compassion, and shared faith of the Troy community. Founded in 1978 by eight local churches, the organization began as a cooperative ministry reaching the elderly, shut-ins, and others through an audio-tape outreach while sponsoring programs that strengthened community connections. In 1979, what began as a simple effort to provide Christmas assistance for one struggling family quickly grew into a ministry of hope as additional donations allowed several more families to be served.

That spirit of neighbors helping neighbors continues today. What started by serving just a handful of households has grown into a ministry that now serves families throughout the Triad School District, including Troy, St. Jacob, and Marine. With the collaboration of local churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and volunteers all working together to provide food, toys, and encouragement to local families. Year after year, countless volunteers and community partners have given their time, resources, and hearts to ensure that every family is welcomed with dignity, compassion, and hope. Our pantry is run entirely by volunteers who gladly serve our community.

Today, Ministries Unlimited remains committed to faithfully nourishing our community. As the needs of our neighbors continue to grow, so must our ability to serve them. Our new building is more than an expansion of space–it is an investment in our shared vision of a thriving community where every person has a more secure future. View information about our Capital Program.

Who We Are

Ministries Unlimited is a local food pantry serving the Triad School District communities of Troy, St. Jacob and Marine.

We are fully supported by donations from the community churches, residents, and local businesses. Our pantry is run by volunteers who gladly serve our patrons.

Consider volunteering to help in our shop or office, maintain our building and grounds or provide home deliveries.
Donations of canned items, fresh produce, perishable items, personal hygiene items are also welcome.
Financial support of any kind is also welcome.

Our Mission

Faithfully nourishing our community with sustenance, dignity, compassion, and opportunity.

Our Vision

Guided by faith, we envision a thriving community where every person has access to food, resources, and opportunities to build a stronger, more secure future.

Services Provided

Summer Lunch Program

Ministries Unlimited partners with local churches in Troy, St. Jacob and Marine to provide lunches Monday – Friday during the Summer when school is not in session.

Summer Lunch Program: Since 2012
7,906 lunches served in 2025
5,042 lunches served in 2026 so far through July 20

Image of Summer Lunch Program from Ministries Unlimited

Help for the Holidays

Ministries Unlimited has provided services based on the needs of the families it serves:

School Supplies: Since 1995
Christmas Baskets: Since 1979; 184 Baskets in 2025
Distribution of Surplus Food Donated by Local Grocery Stores: Since 2021

Image of Help for the Holidays Program from Ministries Unlimited

Triad School Partnership

Ministries Unlimited is the local food pantry serving Triad School District communities of Troy, St. Jacob and Marine. We work with all Triad District Schools to enrich the lives of our most at risk students.

School Supplies: Since 1995

Image of Triad Programs from Ministries Unlimited

Friday Lunch Program (STiCKs)

Supporting Triad Community Kids (STiCKs) is our Friday pack-a-sack program.
We partner with Triad Unit #2 School District to provide a weekend bag of food for students at risk of missing a meal. Providing proper nutrition early in life so children can grow, develop and thrive to their full potential. Since 2023, with an average of 98 students per week.

View the Donation List

Meals provided every Friday for students at CA Henning, Silver Creek Elementary, Marine Elementary, St. Jacob Elementary, and Triad Middle School who are at risk of missing meals away from school. If you are looking to contribute, please donate the following:

Cereal Bars
Honey Buns
Ramen Noodles
Mac-N-Cheese
Pudding Cups
Fruit Cups
Hot Chocolate
Fruit Snacks
Beef Jerky
Single Serve Chips

FARMS (Food Access Resource Markets)

We serve an average of 20+ Communities.

Pantry Staples For Those In Need

Our patrons shop our shelves of over 60 different pantry staple items every two weeks.

Personal hygiene items are provided monthly during the first full two weeks of each month.

Pantry Pop-Up are random food giveaways open to anyone from any community when surplus allows. No registration is required. Follow us on Facebook for dates.

Food Access Resource Markets (FARMS): Third Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 7775 Collinsville Rd, Troy. Open to anyone from any community. No registration is required.

Perishable Items

We provide eggs, cheese, milk, and 2 meat options every time our patrons come to the pantry.

Fresh Produce From Community Gardens

St. John’s Methodist Church in Edwardsville provides weekly drops of fresh produce for our patrons throughout the Summer.

Local gardeners also share their over-abundance of fresh produce.

Annual Collections To Remember

Triad Middle School and C. A. Henning “Souper Bowl” drive the week before the Super Bowl.

Girl Scout April Showers for personal hygiene supplies every March.

St. Jacob Elementary cereal drive in February or March.

Marine Elementary food drive every April.

Stamp Out Hunger on Mother's Day weekend.

Boy Scout Food Drive every November the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Triad High School food drive for the holidays every December.

Who We Serve

I am a 76 year old retired man. I have used Ministries Unlimited off and on over the years. They have been a blessed organization and group of people. I have also used the FARMS event at Bethel baptist church too, also great people. The past year has been a rough time with the high cost of food, gas, car insurance and also the premiums of health insurance, which went up $60 a month for me. I have greatly appreciated Ministries Unlimited's efforts to help feed me and all of the other people they serve. It makes it somewhat easier to pay my bills and still have food.

John

When unexpected health issues forced my husband and me into early retirement, we didn't know how we would make ends meet. Ministries Unlimited provided more than food, they welcomed us with kindness, dignity, and friendship. Today, we're back on our feed, but we'll never forget the hope they gave us when we needed it most.

Susie