Feeding Hearts & Stomachs

Ozark Pastor Leads Church & Dale County Mobile Food Pantry

The Rev. Tim Bates, pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Ozark, never imagined he’d lead a communitywide effort to feed families in need. Yet, that’s exactly what he does as the head of the Dale County Community Church Mobile Food Pantry. Because of his dedication to combating hunger, he’s being recognized as a Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass recipient.

The mobile food pantry began as a collaboration between local churches and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. Inspired by similar efforts in nearby counties, leaders from Geneva and New Brockton approached Bates with the idea of starting a food pantry in Dale County.

“We saw the need here, and with their help, we started the pantry,” Bates says.

Each month, volunteers gather at the Dale County Ag Plex to distribute food to families in need. Churches across denominations contribute funds to purchase food from the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, and volunteers arrive early to help with sorting and distribution.

“We start setting up at 7:30 in the morning, but people begin lining up as early as 5 a.m.,” Bates says. “We don’t know exactly what’s on the truck until it comes, but we divide the food evenly based on the number of families registered. There’s always a variety — meat, bread, vegetables, and shelf-stable items like canned goods and pasta. We make sure every family leaves with a trunk full of groceries.”

Bates points out that the pantry is a communitywide effort with many churches involved. The Dale County Baptist Association, a coalition of 33 churches, manages the contributions.

1 powerful aspect of the pantry is the way it brings together those in need with those willing to help. “We even have people who need the food but also volunteer to help distribute it,” Bates says. “It’s encouraging to see people giving back, even when they don’t have much themselves.”

The pantry serves roughly 100 families each month, though that number can vary. For Bates, running the food pantry is an extension of his ministry.

“As a pastor, my greater concern is making the spiritual impact,” he says. “Sometimes, we meet that temporary need and love people where they are, and that can open the door for deeper connections.”

As part of the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass partnership between WTVY and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation, Bates received a $1,000 grant to support the pantry’s work. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but this isn’t about me,” Bates says. “This is about serving the community and helping people.”

“We are proud to honor Rev. Tim Bates as a Silent Hero,” says Stevie Sauls, WEC’s vice president of member services and communication. “His leadership and heart for service have made a tremendous difference in the lives of many in Dale County.”