Feeding hope in Milan
In the heart of Milan, Illinois, a quiet but powerful force for good has been changing lives for over a decade—the Milan Christian Food Pantry.
Behind its day-to-day operations lies a story of vision, generosity, and the enduring impact of philanthropy, most notably through the Brissman Foundation, a private foundation with administrative and grantmaking services provided by the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
In 2013, Gerry Huiskamp, a representative of the Brissman Foundation, asked the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Milan a simple question: What does Milan need?
The answer was clear—a food pantry to serve local families facing food insecurity. Within months, six churches came together to turn that vision into reality. With a $18,000 grant from the Brissman Foundation to cover essentials like rent, shelving, and freezers, the Milan Christian Food Pantry opened its doors on November 4, 2013, in a former jewelry store.
In its first month, the pantry served 185 families. Today, that number averages more than 260 families each month. The need is persistent, but so is the community’s commitment to meeting it. Over the years, the pantry’s growth and mission have been consistently supported by the Brissman Foundation, which has provided more than $155,000 in grants to the pantry, demonstrating the power of philanthropy to drive local change.
“For us, the Brissman Foundation is core to our mission,” said Sheila Nelson, board president of the pantry. “We wouldn’t have started without them, and we wouldn’t have our new building without their support. Their ongoing trust and confidence keep us going.”
That new building, a former law office donated in 2019 by Ken Collinson, became the pantry’s new home in 2020. With $90,000 in renovation funding from the Brissman Foundation, the space was transformed into a welcoming and functional hub for service. It now includes a drive-through circle for easy pickup, a large basement with multiple freezers, and room for volunteers to work without crowding.
“The difference has been incredible,” said Alan Nordstrom, the pantry’s treasurer and longtime volunteer. “We have more space, better equipment, and the ability to serve more families in a convenient and efficient way. We’re so grateful for the faith that the Brissman Foundation has shown in this work.”
While the pantry has accomplished much, current economic challenges—including USDA funding cuts and local layoffs—make continued support more critical than ever. “Philanthropy like what the Brissman Foundation accomplishes is more than just financial—it’s an expression of trust in the people of Milan,” Nelson said. “It tells our neighbors in need that they’re not forgotten.”
As the pantry looks to the future, it remains a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. “We strive to honor the memory and generosity of Grant and Virginia Brissman,” said Huiskamp. “The Brissman Foundation supports the Milan Christian Food Pantry because of the continued support and dedicated loyalty of the members of the Milan Churches who do the actual work at the Food Pantry. Thanks to them, the shelves of the food pantry will continue to be stocked not just with food, but with hope.”