CIRCLE OF CONCERN

In the mid-1960's rural poverty was common in western St. Louis County. Individuals from a handful of local congregations began meeting to coordinate help for these families. They arranged their chairs in a circle so that all members were equal during the discussion. In March 1967 the group organized as Circle Of Concern.

Until 1989 Circle coordinated programs from various area churches. In 1989 the Valley Park center provided a single location where families could come on a weekly basis for food and other assistance.

Primarily operated by volunteers, Circle's first Executive Director was hired in 1995 followed by the Pantry Director in 2001 and the DIrector of Programs & Volunteers in 2007. In 2009 Circle completed construction on a new facility, built specifically for the food pantry operations.

Each month Circle feeds over 1,800 individuals and provides financial assistance to families on a case-by-case basis.

Families come to Circle Of Concern once a month and receive a 7-10 day supply of fresh food. A food order consists of fresh produce, milk, eggs, frozen meats, canned goods and personal care items. The food Circle Of Concern shares is food collected for us or bought with the money donated to Circle Of Concern. Our goal is that each food order helps the family save money at the grocery store so they can put their income toward their utlities and housing.