In an effort to help our neighbors who are dealing with homelessness, the First UMC family is collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to individuals dealing with homelessness. Because they likely do not have refrigeration or cooking options, we have accumulated a list of items that would provide nutrition for these individuals or families. The items should not need a can opener as these might not be available. Plastic eating utensils and napkins will be provided.
Here is a list of some foods that can be donated:
· Non-perishable canned goods with pop tops, such as beans, stew, fruit, etc.
· Snack cups of pudding, fruit, apple sauce
· Protein snacks such as jerky, Vienna sausages, Bumble Bee Snack on the Run (crackers and chicken), Starkist Lunch-to-Go tuna kits
· Other snacks such as granola bars, pop tarts, Lance/Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers, Lance/Ritz Cheddar Cheese Crackers, energy bars, protein bars, trail mix, nuts, seeds or dried fruit
· Loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter
· Cases of water bottles or fruit drinks
One of the reasons to begin this mission project is the realization that there are limited options for homeless individuals and families for free food over weekends. For example, individuals may find weekday meal service Monday-Friday through Café of Life, but what happens during the weekends? Café of Life often provides a chicken meal for families on Fridays, but if you don’t have access to a stove, how do you cook that meal?
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday where most of us enjoy a bountiful table, it seems like a wonderful time to share our bounty with those less fortunate. So, on Sunday, November 24, there will be an opportunity for our church family to join in this project. Just look over the list of suggested items; pick up one or more of these during your next grocery store trip; bring them to church to place in baskets in the front of the sanctuary.
