GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs was founded in 1989 when six churches came together, united by a common purpose: to not only feed the souls of the community, but also physically feed those in need.

Wynema Lovell has given her life to doing exactly that.

The Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs hosted a ceremony Tuesday unveiling “Wynema Way,” a street sign honoring her powerful impact on the community.

Lovell is a founding member of the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs and continues to serve as the executive director 37 years later. She said her service is motivated by faith and the faith-based pantry's motto: Matthew 25:35, “...for I was hungry and you gave me food."

"It's been a blessing," she said.

Lovell watched in awe as the sign was revealed by volunteer Bill Bland. The pantry's original volunteers, local churches and businesses cheered on from the crowd.

The sign leads to the quaint building at 1107 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

What began in one small storeroom has since grown tremendously. More than 90 volunteers work daily to sort through droves of nutritious necessities for those in need. Donated funds are used to purchase fresh veggies, bread, canned goods and frozen items. And shelves are kept stocked through food drives hosted by local organizations. Hygiene kits are also provided to the unhoused community.

In the past year alone, 15,098 Clay County residents in Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, Fleming Island, Maxville and Keystone Heights were served by the pantry.

"We can't pretend that we're feeding people, [because] we're feeding people. It's unbelievable how gracious and giving Clay County is," Lovell said.

Matthew Forte, who is on the pantry's Board of Directors, said the organization is crucial to giving people hope. The feedback, he said, has been overwhelmingly positive.

"That gives them so much encouragement. For them to just keep chugging along. Keep working hard," he said.

Volunteers of the Food Pantry cite Lovell's way of life as a constant source of inspiration as they continue her legacy of service. When Jim Brewer retired five years ago, he and his wife began volunteering with fervor.  He said it's important to grow Lovell's legacy.

Currently, the pantry serves individuals nine times a year. Brewer said this year they hope to expand to 12.

"There's hungry people. There are people who've lost their jobs. People who are sick now.  If we weren't here, because we're the only one here, I don't know what they would be doing," Lovell said. 

After the unveiling, guests were invited to tour the pantry and learn more about its operations.

Wish lists are available online, but all donations are welcomed. Monetary donations can be made on at thefoodpantryofgreencovesprings.org, and those interested in giving their time can also find volunteer applications on the website.

Much has changed since the pantry's humble beginnings, but Lovell's mission remains the same — feeding families and making a difference.