Warren County’s largest agency serving hunger and poverty needs is preparing to move its food pantry and offices to the former American Legion Hall in Warrenton.

Agape, currently headquartered at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton, is planning to move its services later this year to the former Legion building on Highway W, about a half mile north of Interstate 70. Agape provides food and household items to over 300 families each month, along with job skills training and emergency housing assistance.

The Agape Thrift Store on Armory Road is not moving.

Executive Director Michelle Bernth said relocating the pantry follows a decision from state regulators that would have hampered the agency’s current location. However, the move also offers an opportunity to expand Agape’s services.

Before the food pantry was established in 1997, the previous owner built an addition that encroached the property of the adjacent city water tower, Bernth explained. She said Agape was told the encroachment violates Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations, and a portion of the building needs to be demolished.

“About 40 percent of our existing building has to be torn down, which renders the remainder of the building entirely too small,” Bernth commented.

She said the former American Legion Hall presented an ideal replacement, offering double the space for programs and pantry services. That will allow Agape to expand its services for low-income residents, and possibly seek grant funding for new programs.

“Over the years, Agape has grown so much, and this move will allow us to take on the next chapter as an organization,” said Bernth. “As we add new programs and new partnerships, we will have the space necessary to be able to offer classes, training and more to the people that we serve.”

The building also offers basement storage that will save Agape thousands of dollars in yearly storage fees. Bernth said the agency previously had to rent storage units to house donated supplies.

After receiving a county permit for the facility this month, the objective now is to get the new pantry and offices renovated and transfer locations by the end of April.

A combination of contractors and volunteers are in the process of renovating the building and constructing walk-in coolers. Over the past week, professionals with Coppettitive Paint volunteered their services to repaint what will become the new food pantry. On Saturday, Jan. 18, 30 volunteers with the Faith Christian Family Church  Servant’s Heart program came out to move supplies and help with the renovation.

“We’re helping Agape because they’re helping people in the community who are in need. That’s why we’re here,” said volunteer organizer Denny Gladieux.

Many of items donated to Agape, which can now be stored on-site, go toward a yearly school supply drive at the church. But the people who benefit most from the new Agape facility will be those who rely on it for regular assistance. 

One former Agape client spoke on the agency’s  behalf during a permit hearing Jan. 16. Elizabeth Fry, of Warrenton, said Agape supported her after a life-threatening infection and leg amputation made her unable to keep her job.

“Agape helped me keep my lights on and keep my pantry full,” said Fry, who is now employed full time. She said Agape was able to help her because all of its executives and social workers are located in the community and work quickly to help those in need.

Agape was able to purchase the new location and begin renovating by combining local funding sources and donations, but Bernth said the agency could use help to finish the project without draining its reserves.

“It is undoubtedly a big task to renovate this building and get it ready to serve an entirely new purpose, but we know that with the support of the community, we can create something that will be a wonderful resource for people in need,” said Bernth. “We have already had a number of individuals and groups provide assistance and we welcome anyone who wants to help with this project.”