Inter-Faith Ministries was started in the late 1970 as a response to unmet needs in the community. A committee of the Modesto Council of Churches looked into unmet needs in the community and found that often hungry individuals would approach local churches on Sunday mornings asking for food. The committee recommended to the Council that the churches open a food pantry and support it by providing food and volunteers. In this way persons in the community could have a central place to go to get food and the churches could collectively support that program. A few years later the Community Clothes Closet was added to the services available.

Inter-Faith is governed by a fifteen member board of directors which meet monthly. Inter-Faith Ministries is truly "inter-faith" as it is supported by 35 congregations representing a broad spectrum of the faith based community including: Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints congregations.

Inter-Faith Ministries is funded by donations from: the community, member congregations and grants. Fundraising includes an Annual Spring Luncheon and an Annual Dinner and Auction, "A Night To Remember".