Food program expanded

Coudersport Free Methodist Church has acquired the former Mock's Mini-Mart property on Rt. 6, near Sweden Valley, for establishment of a ministry center.

A key element of the decision was the church's involvement with Angel Food Ministries, according to Pastor Peter Tremblay. The former Mock's property is now the center for Angel Food distribution.

That program allows residents, regardless of income, to buy boxes of food at wholesale prices. Food with a retail value of about $80 can be purchased for $30.

Angel Food Ministries in Coudersport served 600 families in 2004-05.

More recently, with separate ministries established in other communities, more than 300 families still use the Free Methodist site.

Pastor Tremblay reports that the ministry center is being renovated and upgraded. Eventually, the church, currently located on a small lot at 507 South Main Street, plans to hold worship services, seminars, coffee houses, youth programs and other activities at the Rt. 6 location.

"We are doing our ministry there and plan to do much more in serving our community," Pastor Tremblay said.