Fresh Food Initiative Plans to Increase Quantities
by Karen Smith
Although the Fresh Produce distribution doesn’t officially begin until 5 pm, the parking lot at Jeruel Baptist on April 13th was full at 4:30 and masked, hardworking volunteers started filling cars with pre-packed boxes. By 5:12 pm, all 125 boxes had been given away. Unfortunately, some went away empty-handed.
Previous distributions at Jeruel Baptist have been held indoors. People wait on folding chairs until distribution begins and then collect bags of produce laid out by volunteers on tables. 75 attended the March distribution, and many go through the line more than once. Volunteers know their roles and operate like a well-oiled machine. Everything changed with the April distribution.
Heather Pearce of the South Michigan Food Bank, who was present, said, “It was a learning experience and something we have never experienced before. Covid 19 is making us rethink everything we do. Everyone yesterday was excited to be giving food to their community…we were overwhelmed with the new way to distribute the fresh food and because of that, we will be making changes in the way we distribute the food on May 11. Your community has a strong need for the Fresh Food Distribution and we will continue to do our best at improving future distributions.”
The day following distribution, the food bank made the decision to nearly double the number of boxes for the May 11th distribution to 200, and to cover the cost in the grant given to Stockbridge Community Outreach. Stephanie Yannella, FFI Volunteer Coordinator exclaimed, “God is good all the time!” Stephanie has successfully coordinated the effort at Jeruel Baptist for 5 years.
One of the changes that will be made will be limits on the number of boxes. We ask for the patience of the community as we go through these trying times and work with you to get the resources you need. Please contact Stockbridge Community Outreach if you are in need of food or need a referral to a food pantry in your area. (517) 851-7285.
