Two food ministries operating out of the Magazine Street Temple Church are making a significant impact in the Russell neighborhood, of Louisville, Ky., helping ensure vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food. According to a Greater Louisville Project report, one in five city residents lives in a food desert, and more than two-thirds of Louisville households without a vehicle are more than a mile from a grocery store. Together, the efforts — one focused on food baskets for families and the other serving the homeless — have reached thousands of lives.
Monthly Food Basket Program Expands Its Reach
The church’s primary food ministry, led by Joseph Mallard, has become an essential part of community support. Launched seven years ago, the program has grown considerably, expanding from distributing just seven baskets to now providing 100 to 120 food baskets on the first and third Sundays of each month. Volunteers meet monthly to prepare and distribute the baskets and donations, and help support and expand the program.
Each basket is carefully packed with staples such as rice, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, crackers, and cereal, providing enough food to prepare meals for two to four people. In 2025 alone, the program has helped more than 1,600 families, underscoring the growing demand for its services.
Mallard says the mission is simple: “To bless as many of our neighbors who are in need.” The ministry helps residents from across the Russell neighborhood, many of whom arrive on foot to pick up their food baskets. To improve access, the ministry plans to distribute bus passes to walk-up recipients.
The ministry is also addressing transportation issues for drivers by providing gas cards to the first 50 vehicles in line. These cards have become essential, providing relief to families facing high fuel costs.
Sabbath Ministry Serves Homeless Population
Besides Mallard’s program, another church ministry is combating food insecurity in the Russell neighborhood. Led by Cecil and Vanessa Goodwin, this outreach focuses on helping the homeless community. The Goodwins distribute food sacks every Sabbath after the worship service, each filled with items specifically chosen for those without access to a kitchen.
The sacks contain ready-to-eat items such as tuna packets, crackers, and individually packaged snacks, enabling recipients to eat without the need for food preparation facilities. This ministry began during the pandemic, and the Goodwins’ ministry has distributed nearly 12,000 food sacks in 2025 alone.
Honoring a Son’s Legacy
The Goodwins run their ministry through the Noel Goodwin Charitable Foundation, established in memory of their son, Noel, who passed away after an illness. Through the foundation, they have expanded their food support to include school-aged children at four local schools, providing food sacks during school breaks when government-funded meals are unavailable.
Both ministries serve as crucial lifelines for Russell residents, addressing food disparities in various ways and reaching populations that might otherwise be overlooked.
A Community Effort
These initiatives are made possible by the generosity of church members, volunteers, and community donations. For those who would like to support these life-changing efforts, donations can be made online at www.magazinestsda.org. Every contribution helps expand the reach of these ministries and provides relief to families, children, and homeless individuals in need.
Tackling Food Insecurity
As food insecurity persists, the Magazine Street Temple remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the Russell community. Through distributing food baskets and gas cards and serving the homeless and schoolchildren, these ministries embody hope and solidarity.
For more information or to get involved, visit 1942 Magazine Street in Louisville, or contact the church to learn about volunteer opportunities.
South Central | February 2026
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