The Interfaith Food Ministry I
A Community-Wide Effort Providing Nourishment for Body and Soul
n its 34 years of service, the foods they cannot sell, area Interfaith Food Ministry has farmers offer produce from worked to carry out the goal of their fields, and individuals “feeding families... fueling hope” also make donations that enable by sharing the love of Christ with the ministry to provide pasta, food to sustain bodies and faith to canned tuna, chicken, hot dogs, sustain souls. marinara sauce, and the like. The Linda and Gary Grube of local Starbucks stores donate St. Patrick's Parish are longtime dessert and breakfast sandwich volunteers with this ministry selections. The U.S. Food and that brings together Catholics, Drug Administration donates members of other local churches, boxes of staples. There are food and those who have no church, all items that require no cooking working together to provide food or preparation that are offered for those in need. to any homeless seeking help. “It’s not a Catholic-based People with lactose or gluten stewardship, but a communityissues can be served, as can based stewardship,” Linda says. those with diabetes. With some “There are so many advance notice, birthday cakes participants in the community are provided. And for our animal who help donate and make it companions, dog, and cat food is Linda Grube, a St. Patrick Parishioner, work.” available, too. volunteers with her husband, Gary, at The ministry, located at 440 “We also started gardens in the Interfaith Food Ministry. She places Henderson St. in Grass Valley, little plots where some of the containers in our church for food donations. has seen the need for its services volunteers are growing our own With the approaching holidays, monetary grow, with 11,000 persons produce,” Linda says. donations are especially appreciated. Please helped this year alone. This is With the approaching visit interfaithfoodministry.org for details. holidays, the Interfaith Food a 40-percent increase over last year’s total. Ministry will offer an “Adopt a Family” program, as Interfaith Food Ministry is open five days a week, well as cards that can be purchased for a cash donation with distribution done on Monday, Wednesday, and of $20. The cards state that a donation was given in the Friday. Tuesday and Thursday are stocking and sorting recipient’s name to the Interfaith Food Ministry. The days. Those needing food, whether they are a family funds raised through the card sales go to purchase food or a single person, may come in once a week for food. for families of four for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The With COVID-19 restrictions in place, all the service agency also will be providing turkeys at Thanksgiving currently is being done on a drive-thru basis. and hams at Christmas. Area businesses and organizations generously One word that Linda often uses when discussing donate an abundance of different foods for the the Interfaith Food Ministry is “amazing” — it Interfaith Food Ministry. Grocery stores donate describes not only the generosity of donors to the
continued on back cover
7
