Centertown (Tennessee) United Methodist Church received grant funding from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation to help purchase a refurbished walk-in freezer to store perishable food and a storage unit for non-perishable items for the church’s weekly food ministry program.
The program started in 2012 after church members learned about area children who were going to school hungry. Initially three volunteers prepared 20 boxes of food every Wednesday to give to families. As word spread, the program grew. Today about 15 volunteers — many over 60 years old — prepare and hand out between 200 to 225 boxes a week. More than half of the boxes go to people over 65.
The program started in 2012 after church members learned about area children who were going to school hungry. Initially three volunteers prepared 20 boxes of food every Wednesday to give to families. As word spread, the program grew. Today about 15 volunteers — many over 60 years old — prepare and hand out between 200 to 225 boxes a week. More than half of the boxes go to people over 65.
“The food is distributed from 2:30 to 3 p.m. each Wednesday to anyone who drives through the church’s parking lot,” said Centertown UMC member Michelle Bodey. “During this time, volunteers form a prayer circle and invite those receiving boxes to join for praises and prayer requests.”
The program’s impact and blessings are as varied as the individuals and families it serves. “This program is awesome!” says recipient Kimberly S. “It really helps me and my mama. She is very frail and I take care of her. We are so blessed to have this help. My favorite part, though, is the prayer circle. I rushed to get here today so I wouldn’t miss it. It has encouraged me pray at home and start reading my Bible more.”
Community residents Larry and Barbara T. also receive a box each week. “This is wonderful!” Barbara said. “Larry is diabetic and has a lot of health issues. We are both on Medicare and when we go in the ‘donut hole’ for prescription drug coverage, that cuts into our grocery money. This program really helps us out, especially the vegetables, fruit, and yogurt.”
“God has constantly provided for the needs of our ministry—from the food to distribution boxes to the money we need to operate,” Bodey said. “We have had the opportunity to pray with and minister to many who do not attend church. While we are currently limited on space and sometimes run out of boxes to distribute, we hope that this ministry will continue and grow.”
