The Saltbox Ministry of St. John Lutheran Church in Canal Fulton is to support individuals by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, and necessities, while strengthening our community through outreach events, wellness initiatives, and fundraising efforts.
All administration and workers are unpaid volunteers. Every role, from the kitchen to the office, is filled by someone who gives their time.
Our food distribution is a drive-through system serving hot meals and groceries twice a month. We serve Canal Fulton and the surrounding communities.
Delicious entrees are prepared by volunteers from area churches, organizations and families in our kitchen on site.
Homebound? In addition to the drive-through, we deliver to our homebound recipients, an average of 15 families. Call 330-854-2159 to ask about delivery.
Shopping has been available since 2011. Come browse clothes and household goods for the whole family.
Hot meal Sundays and shopping days, month by month. Annual events are listed alongside.
The Saltbox runs on volunteers. Pick a time that fits your week; there is a job for every pair of hands.
Entrees for hot meal Sundays are cooked in our on-site kitchen by volunteers from area churches, organizations and families. Ask us about cooking one.
A refrigerated delivery van means milk, eggs, meat and produce reach our homebound neighbors cold and fresh.
In 2009 the Saltbox building and facilities were purchased with a generous donation from a member of St. John Lutheran Church. The Saltbox began serving 392 families in 2009, and in 2026 we have served over 6,602 meals!
"Saltbox" refers to the traditional colonial-style architecture of historic local buildings like the Oberlin House in Canal Fulton.
The acronym S.A.L.T.B.O.X. stands for Service and Love Together, reflecting St. John Lutheran Church's mission statement to "reflect Christ through love, service and teaching."
The Saltbox building and facilities are purchased with a generous donation from a member of St. John Lutheran Church. 392 families served in the first year.
Partnership with the Akron-Canton Foodbank begins.
Shopping for clothing and household items opens, twice a week.
The Akron-Canton Foodbank gifts a refrigerated delivery van. More than 6,602 meals served this year.
The businesses, churches and organizations whose generosity keeps the Saltbox stocked.
Your gift supports food, clothing and necessities for families in Canal Fulton and the surrounding communities. There is no paid staff; the Saltbox is run entirely by volunteers.
Have clothing or household items to give? Call 330-854-2159 and we will tell you the best time to bring them by.
Donations are tax deductible.